Bovine aortic endothelial cells release hydrogen peroxide.

Endothelial cells grown on microcarriers are able to release H2O2 to the extracellular environment without any added stimulus. The extracellularly released H2O2 can be detected by luminol-amplified chemiluminescence (CL) if horseradish peroxidase is added. The CL response can be reduced by catalase and blocked by superoxide dismutase, indicating that O2- could be a precursor for H2O2. The CL kinetics, i.e., a long lag time followed by a rapid shift to a new level, indicate activation of an O2(-)-producing enzyme. The cells are also able to protect themselves from H2O2 stimulation by both catalase and the glutatione system. Bradykinin stimulates the H2O2 release, but if the effect is directly stimulatory or if it acts by reduction of the protective system is at present unclear. The extracellularly released H2O2 could be a cause of injury to the endothelial cells or to the subendothelial matrix.