Fluorescent thermometry has reported noteworthy intracellular temperature gradients, suggesting the possibility of thermal regulation of cellular functions. However, heat conduction calculations assuming an aqueous intracellular environment contradict these findings. To resolve this contradiction, we visualized intracellular heat conduction using label-free mid-infrared photothermal optical diffraction tomography and obtained thermal diffusivity similar to that of water. Furthermore, we found a discrepancy in heat-induced temperature changes measured with label-free and fluorescent thermometry. This suggests that fluorescent thermometers may sense other factors, including the system’s internal energy, in addition to the temperature at a local equilibrium state.
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