Histochemical Detection of Ubiquinone in Neutrophil Polymorphonuclear Leucocyte Granules

Neutrophil polymorphonuclear leucocytes contain a special electron transport chain which is involved in the killing of bacteria in these cells. Identified components of the chain include NADPH, a flavoprotein dehydrogenase and an unusual cytochrome b, but there has been recent disagreement in the biochemical literature as to whether or not an ubiquinone is also present. This study has looked at this question by using an independent histochemical technique for ubiquinones. The results indicate that an ubiquinone is found in association with neutrophil granules, and hence may be implicated in the radical generating system.