Chemiluminescence response of phagocytizing human monocytes

Abstract

Chemiluminescence (CL) occurs as a consequence of phagocytosis of bacteria or inert particles by human polymorphonuclear neutrophils. This phenomenon appears to be related to the production of singlet O2 and/or electronically excited carbonyl groups which relax with light emission. Human monocytes also produced CL after phagocytosis of opsonized bacteria [Staphylococcus aureus], fungi [Candida albicans] or zymosan particles. Monocytes produced approximately 1/3 of the CL produced by polymorphonuclear neutrophils for all 3 particles, reflecting possible metabolic differences between cells of these types. Addition of exogenous superoxide dismutase reduced the peak production of CL by 65% for cells of both types but raising the temperature of the cultures from 25-37.degree. C approximately doubled the peak CL responses.