PHAGOCYTIC ACTIVATION OF A LUMINOL-DEPENDENT CHEMILUMINESCENCE IN RABBIT ALVEOLAR AND PERITONEAL MACROPHAGES

No chemiluminescent response above background was obtained from rabbit alveolar or peritoneal macrophages either in the resting state or subsequent to phagocytosis. If luminol (5-amino-2,3-dihydro-1,4-phthalazinedione) was added to the cell suspension, a chemiluminescence was observed following phagocytosis of bacteria by both alveolar and peritoneal macrophages. The chemiluminescent response obtained was of high intensity and could be easily monitored using the standard in-coincidence scintillation spectrophotometry equipment employed in routine isotope counting. Both rabbit and human polymorphonuclear leukocytes were also tested in the presence of luminol, and the results of the various cell systems are compared. The chemiluminescent response was further investigated by the use of superoxide dismutase and sodium benzoate, and the inhibition of chemiluminescence by the agents is discussed.