The energy metabolism of the leucocyte. X. Kinetics of oxygen consumption during phagocytosis by polymorphonuclear leucocytes. A photometric method.

A simple micromethod for quantitative assay of the oxygen consumption by phagocytosing human neutrophils had been described. The continuous assay shows a lag time between the addition of zymosan and the maximal rate of oxygen uptake, which is a measure of the serum opsonic activity. Several factors can alter the oxygen uptake and also the delay of response.