The leukocyte enzyme myeloperoxidase (MPO) is key to normal host defense mechanisms. Dysregulated MPO, however, is linked to acute and chronic inflammatory conditions, such as atherosclerosis and cancer. The authors describe a luminol-based bioluminescence imaging system that provides an optical readout of physiological levels of MPO activity in vivo. The system is demonstrated in animal models of acute dermatitis, focal arthritis and spontaneous large granular lymphocytic tumors.
- Shimon Gross
- Seth T Gammon
- David Piwnica-Worms