Reactive oxygen metabolites in inflammation.

Abstract

The functions of professional phagocytes depending on oxygen are briefly discussed. After appropriate stimulation, membrane-bound enzyme systems are activated--phospholipase C, protein-kinase C and NADPH-oxidase complex--and superoxide anion is produced. This process is called respiratory burst and is essential for killing of microorganisms but it may cause tissue damage and inflammation. The influence of superoxide anion on metabolism is reviewed. More attention is paid to modulating effects of superoxide anion in connection with the development inflammatory process.