[Effect of biologically active substances on lymphocyte energetics studied by using a simple luminometer-ATP meter]

A method of lymphocyte energetics investigation according to the ATP concentration in cell suspension has been described. A simple easily reproducible luminometer was applied for ATP measurement by luminescence of luciferin/luciferase system. The conditions of cell incubation were found when the changes in mitochondrial metabolic state reflected on ATP concentration. For all this rotenone (5 nM) decreases the ATP concentration heavily than inhibits the rate of oxygen consumption. Ecto-ATPases hydrolyze quickly the low concentrations of exogenous ATP. The examples given show the possibilities of this method for studying the effect of biologically active substances on cell energetics.