title: Superoxide dismutase and oxygen radical neurotoxicity.
abstract: Although reactive oxygen species are natural metabolic products, they can be toxic to cells and are implicated in some neurodegenerative disease. Cytosolic Cu, Zn superoxide dismutase normally defends against damage by reactive oxygen species; however, mutant forms of the enzyme might instead contribute to damage of motor neurons n some amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients. Possible mechanisms of oxidative injury to neurons are discussed with reference to cytosolic Cu, Zn superoxide dismutase mutations and other factors which might enhance oxygen radical toxicity.
authors.affiliation: Cecil B. Day Laboratory for Neuromuscular Research, Massachusetts General Hospital-East, Charlestown, USA.
authors.forename: B A
authors.initials: BA
authors.lastname: Hosler
authors.forename: R H
authors.initials: RH
authors.lastname: Brown
mesh_terms: D000690:Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis / Q000201:enzymology / Q000235:genetics*; D000818:Animals; D016923:Cell Death / Q000235:genetics; D004252:DNA Mutational Analysis; D006801:Humans; D017665:Hydroxyl Radical / Q000378:metabolism; D051379:Mice; D009046:Motor Neurons / Q000201:enzymology; D017382:Reactive Oxygen Species / Q000378:metabolism*; D013482:Superoxide Dismutase / Q000172:deficiency / Q000235:genetics*
chemical_list: D017382:Reactive Oxygen Species; D017665:Hydroxyl Radical; D013482:Superoxide Dismutase