[The clinical significance of leukocyte chemiluminescence in myocardial infarct].

A study was made of the luminol-dependent leukocyte chemiluminescence (LCL) of the whole blood in 45 patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI). It has been shown that measurement of LCL during the first examination of the patient may play a significant part in the diagnosis of AMI. LCL monitoring is of independent importance for the control of resorption and reparative processes and for the diagnosis of the lingering course and threatened relapse of AMI. The authors provide evidence for the concept of the trigger inclusion of the leukocytic component into the chain of pathophysiological processes in AMI at hours 5-10 since its onset. Derangement of that mechanism may be one of the causes of the lingering and recurrent course of infarction. The treatment of AMI should be carried out with regard to the effect of therapeutic modalities on leukocyte function as well as to the phase of the pathophysiological process.