Multi-Site Recording and Spectral Analysis of Spontaneous Photon Emission from Human Body

Abstract

Background: In the past years, research on ultraweak photon emission(UPE) from human body has increased for isolated cells and tissues.However, there are only limited data on UPE from the whole body, inparticular from the hands. Objective: To describe a protocol for the managementof subjects that (1) avoids interference with light-induced longtermdelayed luminescence, and (2) includes the time slots for recordingphoton emission. Material and Methods: The protocol was utilised formulti-site recording of 4 subjects at different times of the day and differentseasons, and for one subject to complete spectral analysis of emissionfrom different body locations. An especially selected low-noiseend-window photomultiplier was utilised for the detection of ultraviolet /visible light (200-650 nm) photon emission. For multi-site recording itwas manipulated in three directions in a darkroom with a very low countrate. A series of cut-off filters was used for spectral analysis of UPE. 29body sites were selected such that the distribution in UPE could be studiedas right-left symmetry, dorsal-ventral symmetry, and the ratio betweenthe central body part and extremities. Results: Generally, the fluctuationin photon counts over the body was lower in the morning thanin the afternoon. The thorax-abdomen region emitted lowest and mostconstantly. The upper extremities and the head region emitted most andincreasingly over the day. Spectral analysis of low, intermediate andhigh emission from the superior frontal part of the right leg, the foreheadand the palms in the sensitivity range of the photomultipliershowed the major spontaneous emission at 470-570 nm. The centralpalm area of hand emission showed a larger contribution of the 420-470nm range in the spectrum of spontaneous emission from the hand inautumn/winter. The spectrum of delayed luminescence from the handshowed major emission in the same range as spontaneous emission.Conclusion: Examples of multi-site UPE recordings and spectral analysisrevealed individual patterns and dynamics of spontaneous UPE over thebody, and spectral differences over the body. The spectral data suggestthat measurements might well provide quantitative data on the individualpattern of peroxidative and anti-oxidative processes in vivo. We expectthat the measurements provide physiological information that canbe useful in clinical examination.