METHOD AND COMPOSITION FOR THE EVALUATION OF PHAGOCYTIC RESPONSE

摘要

Method and Composition for the Evaluation of Phagocytic Response Methods and compositions for measuring phagocytosis and biochemical activity of phagocytic cells are described. A sample of blood cells is taken from an organism. The phagocytic activity of the blood phagocytes is estimated by the direct addition of a particulate material comprising zymosan particles adsorbed with protein having a luminescent chemical admixed therewith. Alternatively, phagocytic cells from said sample are purified and mixed with zymosan or a polymeric particle chemically coated with protein and luminescent chemical. When the phagocytic cells are mixed with either of these compositions, the cells engulf the particles thus causing the activation of the cells' biochemical mechanisms. Oxygen intermediates result from this mechanism causing a reaction with the luminescent chemical resulting in the production of light. This light is measured on a luminometer and based on the rate of light production and the maximum produced, the phagocytic activity of said cells is measured.