Comparison Between Different Mitochondrial Staining Methods in Cell and Tissue Samples

Objective To compare the effects of mitochondria staining between specific mitochondrial fluorescent probes and anti-mitochondrial protein antibody in cell and tissue samples. Methods The HepG2 cells fixed by 4% paraformaldehyde were stained with MitoTracker Deep Red (100 nmol/L) or anti-Grp75 antibody (75 nmol/L or 100 nmol/L). The human healthy liver tissue samples fixed by 4% paraformaldehyde were stained with 150 nmol/L MitoTracker Deep Red or anti-Grp75 antibody. The above stained cell and tissue samples were observed using confocal microscopy. Results We found non-specific staining in HeLa cells and obscure mitochondrial image using MitoTracker Deep Red probes, while clear tubular and punctate distribution using anti-Grp75 antibody. In contrast, we observed more specific and better effects of MitoTracker Deep Red probes-stained liver tissue samples as compared to the antibody. Conclusion To visualize mitochondria, the anti-Grp75 antibody staining worked better on cells and the MitoTracker Deep Red probes are more suitable for tissue samples.