Simultaneous detection of native and luminol-dependent luminescence of stimulated human polymorphonuclear leukocytes

A method for investigating the cellular response of polymorphonuclear leukocytes to various stimuli was introduced using simultaneously native (luminol-independent) and luminol dependent luminescence as an indicator for myeloperoxidase (MPO)-H2O2-halide and O2- mediated reactions. In experimental systems containing low concentrations of luminol the total light emission was separated into contributions of native and luminol-dependent luminescence by making use of the different spectral behaviour of the two kinds of luminescence. Consequently the MPO-H2O2-halide system could be distinguished from the O2- dependent system by interpreting the recorded temporal traces of the emitted light.