Light emission during the action of prostaglandin synthetase

Chemiluminescence has been observed during the incubation of polyunsaturated fatty acids with the microsomal fraction from sheep vesicular glands. The light emission can be attributed to the enzyme system responsible for prostaglandin synthesis on the basis of its localization, its substrate specificity, and its inhibition by indomethacin, aspirin, and dimercaptopropanol. The luminescence can be quenched by superoxide dismutase and β-carotene. Possible origins for the light emission are discussed.