[Transmembrane potentials at the cell membrane and mitochondrial membranes of rat thymocytes at the early stage of developing a stress reaction using potential-sensitive fluorescent probes].

4-(p-dimethylaminostyryl)-1-methylpyridinium (DSM) and 3,3-dipropyl-2,2'-thiodicarbocyanin(diS-C3-(5] were used in the investigation of cytoplasmic and mitochondrial transmembrane potentials at an early stage of the stress reaction of rats. It was shown that 60 minutes after the beginning of the stress action the mitochondrial transmembrane potential was substantially decreased. The transmembrane potential of the cytoplasmic membrane did not change. It may be deduced from the obtained data that the morphological changes of the thymus induced by the strong stress impact are preceded by a change of the mitochondria functional state manifesting itself by a decrease of the mitochondrial membrane potential.