Phagocyte Oxygenation Activity Measured by Chemiluminescence and Chemiluminigenic Probing*

Phagocytosis and/or chemical stimulation of granulocytes, monocytes, or macrophages triggers the activation of redox metabolism characterized by an increase in glucose dehydrogenation via the hexose monophosphate (HMP) shunt and an increase in O₂ consumption that is nonmitochondrial. ^{1 , 2} This respiratory burst metabolism is required for cellular generation of the oxygenating agents that participate in microbicidal action. ^{3 - 5}