Peroxynitrite: an endogenous oxidizing and nitrating agent.

Peroxynitrite, the reaction product between nitric oxide (.NO) and superoxide, has been presumed to be a mediator of cellular and tissue injury in various pathological situations. It is formed at the convergence of two independent radical-generating metabolic pathways. Its biological effects are due to its reactivity towards a large range of molecules including amino acids such as cysteine, methionine, tyrosine and tryptophan, nucleic bases and antioxidants (e.g. phenolics, selenium- and metal-containing compounds, ascorbate and urate). Peroxynitrite reactions involve oxidation and nitration. The chemical properties depend on the presence of CO2 and metallic compounds as well as the concentrations of reagents and kinetic laws. This complex chemistry can be explained by the formation of several structural forms and active intermediates released from peroxynitrite.