Investigation of the chemiluminescence associated with phagocytic and intracellular killing activity of human polymorphonuclear leucocytes and monocytes.

The chemiluminescence associated with phagocytic and intracellular killing activity of human polymorphonuclear leucocytes and monocytes was investigated. A significant, opsonization-dependent increase in photon emission of polymorphonuclear leucocytes and monocytes was observed induced by engulfment of opsonized, heat-killed and living fungi (Saccharomyces cerevisiae), aggregated gamma globulin, latex and India ink particles. Mononuclear cells displayed only minimal enhancement of photon emission after incubation of various particles. It is suggested that the method can be used in clinical practice as a test of phagocytotic and intracellular killing function.