Reperfusion injury and phenomenon «no reflow». Role of superoxide anion and peroxynitrite

Abstract

In the short review we turned the attention to underestimated role of superoxide anion in the phenomenon «no reflow» and reperfusion injury. Reperfusion injury is the tissue damage caused when blood supply returns to the tissue after a period ischemia or lack of oxygen. After the ischemic period reentry of the blood to tissue causes massive release of superoxide anion. Superoxide is highly reactive compound produced when oxygen is reduced by a single electron. Superoxide anion interacts with NO at very high rate. In given situation superoxide-dismutase can’t compete for superoxide an ion. The reaction leads to the exhaustion of the NO, the very important vasodilatator, and accordingly, – to vasoconstriction. Besides of that, in the result of the reaction the peroxynitrite (ONOON) is produced. Peroxynitrite is a short-lived oxidant species that is a potent inducer of cell death. The possible pharmacological approach to inhibition of its formation or its decomposition are assigned also.