Oxidation of ethidium-based probes by biological radicals: mechanism, kinetics and implications for the detection of superoxide.

Hydroethidine (HE) and hydropropidine ([Formula: see text]) are fluorogenic probes used for the detection of the intra- and extracellular superoxide radical anion ([Formula: see text]). In this study, we provide evidence that HE and [Formula: see text] react rapidly with the biologically relevant radicals, including the hydroxyl radical, peroxyl radicals, the trioxidocarbonate radical anion, nitrogen dioxide, and the glutathionyl radical, via one-electron oxidation, forming the corresponding radical cations. At physiological pH, the radical cations of the probes react rapidly with [Formula: see text], leading to the specific 2-hydroxylated cationic products.

Detection of mitochondria-generated reactive oxygen species in cells using multiple probes and methods: Potentials, pitfalls, and the future.

Reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (ROS/RNS) such as superoxide (O), hydrogen peroxide, lipid hydroperoxides, peroxynitrite, and hypochlorous and hypobromous acids play a key role in many pathophysiological processes. Recent studies have focused on mitochondrial ROS as redox signaling species responsible for promoting cell division, modulating and regulating kinases and phosphatases, and activating transcription factors. Many ROS also stimulate cell death and senescence.