Lipid hydroperoxides initiate the autoxidation of sulfite with concomitant production of superoxide.

The inhalation of SO2 or the ingestion of beverages or food containing sulfite as a preservative has been associated with exacerbations of obstructive pulmonary disease. In this study it is demonstrated that 15-HPETE, a likely component of the lung's inflammatory response, can initiate the autoxidation of sulfite. Since 1 mol of 15-HPETE can initiate the consumption of 3 mol of oxygen and 6 mol of sulfite, it is likely that a free radical chain mechanism is operative.

Calmodulin-dependent stimulation of the NADPH oxidase of human neutrophils.

The NADPH oxidase of human neutrophils is highly sensitive to calcium concentration and is inhibited in intact cells and cell-free preparations by various phenothiazine drugs. Addition of calmodulin to preparations of NADPH oxidase stimulates enzymatic rates from 1.4-2.

Free radicals and inflammation: superoxide-dependent activation of a neutrophil chemotactic factor in plasma.

The intravenous administration of superoxide dismutase (superoxide:superoxide oxidoreductase, EC 1.15.1.

Superoxide and inflammation: a mechanism for the anti-inflammatory activity of superoxide dismutase.

Several models of inflammation induced in laboratory animals were markedly inhibited by intravenous administration of the enzyme superoxide dismutase. In most cases, the enzyme required chemical modification to increase its circulating lifetime. In all cases, histological examination of the sites of the potential lesions revealed that treatment with superoxide dismutase prevented the accumulation of inflammatory cells.