Chemiluminescence: A Sensitive Method for Detecting the Effects of Histamine Receptor Agonists/Antagonists on Neutrophil Oxidative Burst

Abstract

Polymorphonuclear leukocytes (neutrophils) form the first line of defence in humans. After activation, they migrate through vessel walls toward the invading agent. The intruding pathogens are eliminated through the action of released proteases and by production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Histamine, a biogenic amine with various physiological and pathological effects, is known to modulate the immune response of neutrophils, e.g., it blunts the production of ROS in neutrophils after binding to the histamine-2 receptor. To detect the ROS in neutrophils, various methods are used. Among these, luminophore-enhanced chemiluminescence is a very sensitive and easy tool for studying the effects of various compounds on ROS production in neutrophils. On the other hand, its selectivity is questionable. However, employing cell-free systems producing selective ROS types, the inhibitory effects of tested compounds against distinct ROS may be evaluated. In this chapter, we describe the methods for the evaluation of ROS modulating effects of histamine agonists/antagonists in human neutrophils by using chemiluminescence methods.