title: Red blood cells in the metabolism of nitric oxide-derived peroxynitrite.
abstract: In this review we have analyzed the reactions of nitric oxide (.NO) with superoxide radical (O(2).-) at the vascular compartment which results in limitation of the bioavailability of .NO and the formation of peroxynitrite (ONOO-), a strong oxidant species. The intravascular formation of peroxynitrite can result in oxidative modifications of plasma and vessel wall proteins including the formation of protein-3-nitrotyrosine. The role of red blood cells (RBC) and oxyhemoglobin in the metabolism of intravascular peroxynitrite will be discussed. While RBC constitute an important 'sink' of both .NO and peroxynitrite, redox reactions of these species with oxyhemoglobin may in part contribute to erythrocyte aging. The intravascular formation, reactions and detoxification of peroxynitrite are revealed as important factors controlling vascular dysfunction and degeneration in a variety of pathophysiologically-relevant conditions.
authors.affiliation: Departamento de Bioquímica, Facultad de Medicina, , Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay.
authors.forename: Natalia
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Romero
authors.forename: Ana
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Denicola
authors.forename: Rafael
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Radi
mesh_terms: D001808:Blood Vessels / Q000378:metabolism; D004912:Erythrocytes / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D015394:Molecular Structure; D009569:Nitric Oxide / Q000378:metabolism*; D016877:Oxidants / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism*; D030421:Peroxynitrous Acid / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism*; D015398:Signal Transduction / Q000502:physiology; D013481:Superoxides / Q000378:metabolism; D014443:Tyrosine / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D016877:Oxidants; D013481:Superoxides; D030421:Peroxynitrous Acid; D009569:Nitric Oxide; D014443:Tyrosine