Jpn. J. Pharmacol. 79 (2), 125-129 (1999)


Current Perspective
Nitration Modifying Function of Proteins, Hormones and Neurotransmitters

Toshio Nakaki and Tomoko Fujii


Department of Pharmacology, Teikyo University School of Medicine, Tokyo 173-8605, Japan

Abstract: Several lines of evidence have been accumulated for occurrence of nitration in vivo. In this brief review, we summarized nitration studies on functional changes of proteins, hormones and neurotransmitters, before as well as after the discovery of peroxynitrite. Most of nitrated molecules exhibit less active properties than the parental compounds. It is still unknown whether nitration is merely a footprint of oxidative stress, an important pathway of nitric oxide metabolisms or a part of integral processes for maintaining cellular homeostasis.


Keywords: Nitration, Nitric oxide, Peroxynitrite, Tetranitromethane, Hormone, Neurotransmitter, Tyrosine


Copyright© The Japanese Pharmacological Society 1999

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