Chemiluminescent determination of esterases in monocytes

Esterase from monocytes promotes the hydrolysis of 2-methyl-1-propenylbenzoate (MPB) yielding 2-methyl-1-propenol, which is oxidized by horseradish peroxidase/H2O2 producing triplet acetone. The chemiluminescence of this reaction can be enhanced by the addition of 9,10-dibromoanthracene-2-sulphonate. The non-specific esterase present in monocytes is responsible for MPB hydrolysis, since (a) the chemiluminescence of the reaction was inhibited by fluoride, and (b) cells that do not contain a significant amount of non-specific esterases, e.g. lymphocytes and neutrophils, did not trigger light emission. The analytical application of this reaction is considered.