[Effect of acridine dyes on the ultrastructure of mitochondria in HeLa and LM cells].

Fluorescent staining of mitochondria in living HeLa cells and mouse fibroblasts (LM) with acridine dyes has been reported recently. The investigations are now extended to electron microscopy. Dyes used in our vital staining experiments are 10-ethyl- and 10-(2-iodethyl)acridine orange hydrochloride (EAO, IAO). The mitochondria of vitally stained cells are compared with untreated material. There are dramatic changes of the ultrastructure of HeLa mitochondria within the short incubation time of a few minutes. During the same time only small alterations of LM mitochondria could be observed.