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Biology and pathology of oxygen radicals

Journal Article · · Ann. Intern. Med.; (United States)
Superoxide radicals (O/sup -//sub 2/) are commonplace products of the biological reduction of oxygen. Their intrinsic reactivity and ability to generate other more reactive entities constitute a threat to cellular integrity. Superoxide dismutases, enzymes that catalytically scavenge these radicals, have evolved to meet this threat. These metalloenzymes are essential for respiring organisms to survive. Several compounds, such as the antibiotic streptonigrin and the herbicide paraquat, augment the production rate of O/sup -//sub 2/ inside cells. This accounts for the oxygen-enhancement of their lethality. Some bacteria respond to this artificially increased rate of O/sup -//sub 2/ production by synthesizing additional superoxide dismutase. Ionizing radiation generates O/sup -//sub 2/ in its passage through oxygenated aqueous media, and superoxide dismutase, added to the suspending medium, decreases the oxygen-enhancement of the lethality of such irradiation of the bacterium Escherichia coli. Production of O/sup -//sub 2/ by activated neutrophils is clinically significant, since it is an important component of the bactericidal actions of these cells and the inflammatory process. Superoxide dismutases exert an anti-inflammatory action that may be useful in managing inflammations.
OSTI ID:
7086738
Journal Information:
Ann. Intern. Med.; (United States), Journal Name: Ann. Intern. Med.; (United States) Vol. 89:1; ISSN AIMEA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English