NBT Reduction by Human Phagocytes

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Abstract
When granulocytes (or monocytes) ingest particles, an important bactericidal mechanism is unleashed in the phagocytic vacuole. Under the aegis of a cyanide insensitive oxidase1 electrons flow from pyridine nucleotides and reduce oxygen to form Superoxide2 and hydrogen peroxide. These labile compounds are bactericidal, the latter being particularly active when it is accompanied by myeloperoxidase and halide ions.3 When yellow oxidized nitroblue tetrazolium (NBT) is added to a suspension of ingesting phagocytes, the soluble dye enters the phagocytic vacuoles with the ingested particles. There, the dye substitutes for oxygen in the oxidase reaction or is reduced by Superoxide, a product of . . .