N-(2-mercaptopropionyl)-glycine inhibits chemiluminescence and accelerates phagocytosis in human polymorphonuclear leukocytes.

Treatment of polymorphonuclear leukocytes with the soluble and cell penetrating thiol N-(2-mercaptopropionyl)-glycine (2-MPG) inhibits luminol-enhanced chemiluminescence induced by opsonized zymosan, which is believed to be a measure for the generation of reactive oxygen species, and accelerates the rate of phagocytosis measured as ingestion of zymosan particles. It is discussed that 2-MPG protects the phagocyting cells from oxidative damage by reactive oxygen species that are formed during particle ingestion.