Phospholipase C mimics tumor promoter-induced chemiluminescence in murine epidermal cells

Treatment of newborn murine epidermal cells with phospholipase C results in the generation of a chemiluminescence response similar to that previously described for phorbol ester tumor promoters. Based on inhibitor studies, the oxidant, believed to be superoxide anion, is most likely generated from lipoxygenase metabolism of arachidonic acid. The specificity of the response to phospholipase C from C. perfringens and not from B. cereus or phospholipase A2 suggests specific phospholipids are involved. The response observed appears to arise from the phospholipid-protein kinase c model for phorbol ester binding and activity.