title: Do humans neutrophils form hydroxyl radical? Evaluation of an unresolved controversy.
abstract: Hydroxyl radical is a potent oxidizing agent of potential importance in human pathobiology. Since neutrophilic phagocytes make superoxide and hydrogen peroxide during phagocytosis, it has been proposed that hydroxyl radical is also formed. In this paper we review the literature which supports or refutes formation of hydroxyl radical by neutrophils and the mechanism(s) by which this radical might be formed. We conclude that there is no definitive proof for hydroxyl radical formation by neutrophils. In fact, neutrophil release of lactoferrin and myeloperoxidase appears to limit formation of this radical. Future studies are likely to determine whether superoxide released by neutrophils interacts with target substrates to allow formation of hydroxyl radical.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill 27514.
authors.forename: M S
authors.initials: MS
authors.lastname: Cohen
authors.forename: B E
authors.initials: BE
authors.lastname: Britigan
authors.forename: D J
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: Hassett
authors.forename: G M
authors.initials: GM
authors.lastname: Rosen
mesh_terms: D005609:Free Radicals; D006801:Humans; D006878:Hydroxides / Q000097:blood*; D017665:Hydroxyl Radical; D009504:Neutrophils / Q000378:metabolism*
chemical_list: D005609:Free Radicals; D006878:Hydroxides; D017665:Hydroxyl Radical