Peroxynitrite modification of low-density lipoprotein leads to recognition by the macrophage scavenger receptor.

Peroxynitrite is an oxidant which could be formed in the vasculature by the reaction of superoxide with nitric oxide. It is capable of modifying amino acid residues and of initiating lipid peroxidation. In the present study we have shown that peroxynitrite converts low density lipoprotein to a form recognized by the macrophage scavenger receptor and that this process is associated with modification of the protein and lipid, and with the oxidation of alpha-tocopherol to alpha-tocopherol quinone.