Permeabilization of thymocytes by photon activation of erythrosin.

Thymocytes previously loaded with quin 2 were rapidly permeabilized by the photon activation of erythrosin and the rate of permeabilization monitored by measuring fluorimetrically the increasing saturation of quin 2 with calcium. The extent of permeabilization was assessed also by the loss of [3H]quin 2 from the thymocytes and penetration of the cells by eosin and trypan blue. Lactate dehydrogenase leakage from the permeabilized cells was markedly delayed compared to the rapid increase in permeability to calcium and quin 2. The rate of permeabilization was dependent upon the concentration of erythrosin, the duration of illumination, the presence of oxygen, and the temperature. These results are consistent with the rapid photochemical generation of highly reactive singlet oxygen which alters thymocyte membrane structure and permeability.