Free Radicals
| Definition: |
Highly reactive molecules with an unsatisfied electron valence pair. Free radicals are produced in both normal and pathological processes. They are proven or suspected agents of tissue damage in a wide variety of circumstances including radiation, damage from environment chemicals, and aging. Natural and pharmacological prevention of free radical damage is being actively investigated. |
| Notes: |
IM GEN only; usually NIM with coord IM |
| Previously Indexed: |
Chemistry (1966),Chemistry, Physical (1966),Electron Spin Resonance (1966) |
Free Radicals Categories.
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Nitric Oxide - A free radical gas produced endogenously by a variety of mammalian cells, synthesized from ARGININE by NITRIC OXIDE SYNTHASE. Nitric oxide is one of the ENDOTHELIUM-DEPENDENT RELAXING FACTORS released by the vascular endothelium and mediates VASODILATION. It also inhibits platelet aggregation, induces disaggregation of aggregated platelets, and inhibits platelet adhesion to the vascular endothelium. Nitric oxide activates cytosolic GUANYLATE CYCLASE and thus elevates intracellular levels of CYCLIC GMP. |
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Singlet Oxygen - An excited state of molecular oxygen generated photochemically or chemically. Singlet oxygen reacts with a variety of biological molecules such as NUCLEIC ACIDS, PROTEINS, and LIPIDS causing oxidative damages. |
Free Radicals Definitions and Terms
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