Extra-weak chemiluminescence of organ homogenate and blood in tocopherol-deficient rats.

Abstract

Extra-weak chemiluminescence was detected in the organ homogenate and blood of tocopherol-deficient rats by use of a newly devised single photon counting apparatus. The spectrum distribution showed that the chemiluminescence had emission peaks at wavelengths between 500-650 nm corresponding to the simultaneous transition of singlet molecular oxygen (1O2), 2[1.DELTA.g] .fwdarw. 2[3.SIGMA.g-]. This chemiluminescence was quenched by the presence of free radical scavengers, butyl hydroxytoluene and d-.alpha.-tocopherol. It was stimulated by D2O and 1O2-emission enhancer, 1,4-diazabicyclo[2,2,2]octane. The chemiluminescent intensities in tissue of rats fed a tocopherol-free diet for 7 mo. were higher than those of rats fed a normal diet which contained 15 mg of tocopherol per 100 g of diet. A considerable increase of light emission was observed especially in liver, kidney, heart, lung and brain homogenates. The intensity of tocopherol-deficient liver chemiluminescence corresponded to 22 .times. 103 photons/s .cntdot. cm2. The chemiluminescence was directly related to the generation of 1O2 involving free radical reactions in the tocopherol-deficient rat tissues.