Simultaneous measurement of adherence and chemiluminescence by polymorphonuclear leukocytes

Oxygen radical release from adhering polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) has been implicated as an important feature of many vascular diseases. We developed a technique by which adherence and production of O₂ radicals by PMN can be measured simultaneously. The technique combines the conventional nylon fiber assay for measuring adherence of PMN with concurrent scintillation counter measurement of chemiluminescence(CL) to assess O₂ radical production by PMN. We found that adherence of PMN to nylon fiber is associated with increases in CL. Moreover, increases in CL appear to be dependent on generation of O₂ radicals from PMN since they are not seen with PMN from a patient with chronic granulomatous disease (CGD) or in the presence of O₂ radical scavengers, superoxide dismutase, or catalase. Furthermore, agents which increase the adherence of PMN to nylon fiber are associated with increases in CL. Use of this approach may facilitate simultaneous evaluation of adherence and O₂ radical generation by PMN.This work was supported by the National Institutes of Health, the Council for Tobacco Research, the American Lung Association, the American Heart Association, the Kroc, Swan, Hill, Kleberg, and R. J. Reynolds Foundations. Dr. Repine was an Established Investigator of the American Heart Association during the conduct of this rsearch. Dr. Clifford is a recipient of the Parker B. Francis Fellowship Award.