The detection of anti-granulocyte antibodies by chemiluminescence.

Ten sera containing polyspecific anti-HLA antibodies, a rabbit antihuman leucocyte antiserum and a monoclonal anti-granulocyte antibody were used in the development of a semi-quantitative technique for the detection of anti-granulocyte antibodies. The assay measures the metabolic response of human monocytes to antibody coated (opsonized) granulocytes. Immune complexes were opsonic only in the presence of fresh human serum. Monocyte response was strongly inhibited by normal human serum and purified free immunoglobulin. The assay is simple, rapid and sensitive, and all antibodies investigated were readily detected.