Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 21, 2026
A Set of Screening Techniques for a Quick Overview of the Neutrophil Function
Published on: February 9, 2024
Optical probes for detection and quantification of neutrophils' oxidative burst. A review
Marisa Freitas1, José L F C Lima, Eduarda Fernandes
1REQUIMTE, Departamento de Química-Física, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade do Porto, Rua Aníbal Cunha 164, 4099-030 Porto, Portugal.
Abstract:
Neutrophils, also known as polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN), are the most common type of white blood cells, comprising about 50-70% of all white blood cells. In the event of inflammatory processes, neutrophils display increased mobility, tissue influx ability, prolonged life span, and an increased phagocytic capacity, constituting the initial participants in the cellular defense of the organism. One of the most important defense systems of neutrophils corresponds to their ability to mediate a strong oxidative burst through the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS). While oxidative burst is important for the elimination of invading microorganisms, the overproduction of ROS and RNS or the impairment of endogenous antioxidant defenses may result to detrimental effects to the host. The nature and the extent of ROS and RNS production by neutrophils in response to different stimuli is, consequently, a matter of extensive research, with scientific reports showing an enormous variability on the detection methodologies employed. This review attempts to provide a critical assessment of the most common approaches to identify and quantify reactive species formed during the neutrophils' oxidative burst. The detection mechanisms and performance, as well as advantages and limitations of the different methodologies, are scrutinized, focusing on the use of fluorimetric, chemiluminometric and colorimetric probes.
Insights
Neutrophils generate reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (ROS/RNS) to fight infection. This review assesses methods for detecting these species during the neutrophil oxidative burst, crucial for understanding host defense and potential damage.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cellular Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Neutrophils (polymorphonuclear leukocytes, PMN) are key immune cells, crucial for initial host defense.
- Their primary defense mechanism involves an oxidative burst, producing reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS).
- Dysregulated ROS/RNS production can harm the host, necessitating accurate measurement.
Purpose of the Study:
- To critically assess common methodologies for identifying and quantifying ROS and RNS produced by neutrophils during oxidative burst.
- To provide a comparative analysis of detection techniques for researchers in immunology and cellular biology.
Main Methods:
- Review of scientific literature focusing on detection methodologies for neutrophil-derived ROS and RNS.
- Critical evaluation of fluorimetric, chemiluminometric, and colorimetric probes.
- Analysis of detection mechanisms, performance, advantages, and limitations of each method.
Main Results:
- Significant variability exists in the methodologies employed for detecting ROS and RNS in neutrophils.
- Each detection method (fluorimetric, chemiluminometric, colorimetric) presents unique advantages and limitations.
- Understanding these nuances is critical for accurate interpretation of neutrophil oxidative burst research.
Conclusions:
- Accurate quantification of ROS and RNS production by neutrophils is essential for understanding immune responses.
- This review highlights the importance of selecting appropriate detection methodologies for reliable scientific findings.
- Standardization or careful consideration of method-specific performance is needed in neutrophil research.
