Method for enhancing detection of superoxide anion

摘要

A method for enhancing luminol chemiluminescence assays for superoxide anion comprising an orthovanadate salt, such as sodium orthovanadate. Orthovanadate enhances photon emission when luminol is cleaved by superoxide anion. The orthovanadate salt is non-cytotoxic and non- denaturing to intact cells. A method comprises reacting luminol in the presence of an orthovanadate anion with an analyte suspected of containing superoxide anion and measuring the photon output. A kit comprises a predetermined amount of luminol and orthovanadate in separate containers.