Release of superoxide anion from polymorphonuclear leukocytes stimulated by rubella viral antigen-antibody complex in vitro.

Using a highly sensitive and specific chemiluminescence (CL) method, we detected the release of superoxide anion (O2-.) from human polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNLs) stimulated by rubella viral antigen-antibody complex (VAAC) adsorbed on latex particles. The amount of superoxide anion produced by PMNLs was proportional to the amount of VAAC. Neither rubella virus alone nor antibody alone, adsorbed on latex particles, stimulated production of superoxide anion by PMNLs. It is likely that rubella virus requires the presence of antibody in order to be recognized by PMNLs, and that the superoxide anion is somehow involved in the disease process of rubella.