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Diffusion of Peroxynitrite Across Phospholipid Membranes
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Peroxynitrite is a potent oxidant implicated
in a number of pathophysiological processes. Efficacy of peroxynitrite
is dictated by its accessibilty of biological targets prior to its spontaneous
decompostion (t1/2 =1.9s @ pH 7.4). Using model phospholipid vesicular
systems with manganese porphyrins as reporter molecules, we demonstrate
that peroxynitrite freely travels across lipid membranes. The calculated
permeability coefficient (P) for peroxynitrite compares well with P (water)
and is ~400 times greater than the P (superoxide). We suggest that peroxynitrite
is a significant biological effector molecule not only because of its reactivity
but also its diffusibility.Ý |
