Myeloperoxidase-dependent fluorescein chlorination by stimulated neutrophils

Hypochlorous acid (HOC1) rapidly chlorinates fluorescein compounds forming, sequentially, the corresponding 4'-chlorofluorescein and 4',5'-dichlorofluoresceins. Chlorination by cell-free myeloperoxidase-catalyzed chloride peroxidation systems gives rise to these compounds as well as variable amounts of isomeric compounds chlorinated in the 2'- and 2',7'-positions. The fluorescence intensity of the dianionic form of the dye is partially quenched upon chlorination, and its proton equilibrium constants are shifted to more acidic values. Fluorescein covalently bound to zymosan (5-isothiocyanatofluorescein-zymosan) also formed these products when the unopsonized particles were incubated with phorbol myristate acetate- or N-formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine-stimulated human neutrophils. This reaction was associated with a fall in fluorescence intensity, which was not observed when cells from individuals with chronic granulomatous disease or myeloperoxidase deficiency were used or when azide or catalase were added to the reaction medium. Fluorescent changes accompanying phagocytosis of serum-opsonized 5-isothiocyanatofluorescein-zymosan were also consistent with chlorination of the label; the changes were shown to be myeloperoxidase-dependent by use of myeloperoxidase-deficient or azide-treated cells. Oxidative bleaching of the structurally similar sulfonphthalein dyes by HOCl also occurs at rates which parallel the dye basicities. Results are discussed in relation to the use of fluoresceinated particles and sulfonphthalein dyes in the measurement of intraphagosomal acidification.