Endogenous Oxidant-Generating Systems

Abstract

Although organisms respiring air oxygen use their energy sources in an optimal way they are threatened by the compulsory formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). A great variety of ROS sources have to be considered. Mitochondria, which are assumed to be mainly involved, produce ROS under pathophysiological conditions. Other cell organelles such as lysosomes and endoplasmatic reticulum may contribute to cellular ROS formation. Numerous oxidases and non-enzymatic compounds generate ROS. Nitric monoxide is also an important biomolecule with radical character. It is involved in a great variety of physiological and pathophysiological events.