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Oxygen free radicals


\begin{displaymath}O_2 \stackrel{\rm NADPH \: Oxidase}{\longrightarrow} Superoxide^.\end{displaymath}


\begin{displaymath}Superoxide^. + H_2O_2 + Cl \stackrel{\rm Myeloperoxidase}{\longrightarrow}
HypochlorousAcid \end{displaymath}

NADPH Oxidase is membrane bound and catalyses the formation of Superoxide anion, this reactive anion rapidly reacts with hydrogen peroxide to form the relatively stable hypochlorous acid. This reaction is catalysed by myeloperoxidase (MPO) which is stored in granules in the neutrophil.



Adrian P. Ireland