CHEMILUMINESCENT DETERMINATION OF ESTERASES IN MONOCYTES

Esterase from monocytes promotes the hydrolysis of 2-methyl-1-propenyl benzoate (MPB) yielding 2-methyl-1-propenol, which is oxidized by hors eradish peroxidase/H2O2 producing triplet acetone. The chemiluminescen ce of this reaction can be enhanced by the addition of 9,10-dibromoant hracene-2-sulphonate. The non-specific esterase present in monocytes i s responsible for MPB hydrolysis, since (a) the chemiluminescence of t he reaction was inhibited by fluoride, and (b) cells that;do not conta in a significant amount of non-specific esterases, e.g. lymphocytes an d neutrophils, did not trigger light emission. The analytical applicat ion of this reaction is considered. (C) 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.