The labs of the U.S. and foreign P.I.s are actively engaged in studies of the biological and biochemical effects of nitric oxide. Nitric oxide is an endogenous and essential free radical which can react with the superoxide radical anion in an undesired reaction to generate peroxynitrite. These molecules (nitric oxide, superoxide and peroxynitrite) are known to have a variety of toxic effects. The U.S. P.I. is studying the effect of these molecules on lipids, on antioxidant molecules and in a cell model of inflammation and oxidative injury. He is exploring the different aspects of the general hypothesis, first proposed by him, that nitric oxide could be both harmful (by producing peroxynitrite through reaction with superoxide) and helpful (by acting as a radical scavenger to shut down harmful radical chain mechanisms).
The specific aims of the FIRCA grant are as follows. (1) Define the role of nitric oxide in regulating mitochondrial production of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, (2) Examine the impact of reactive nitrogen species on three key mitochondrial target proteins: Mn-superoxide dismutase, cytochrome c and aconitase. These proposed investigations are expected to provide a foundation for understanding the role of nitric oxide in the initiation, propagation and resolution of tissue inflammation.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
Fogarty International Center (FIC)
Type
Small Research Grants (R03)
Project #
5R03TW000999-02
Application #
6078402
Study Section
International and Cooperative Projects 1 Study Section (ICP)
Program Officer
Michels, Kathleen M
Project Start
1998-09-30
Project End
2001-09-29
Budget Start
1999-09-30
Budget End
2000-09-29
Support Year
2
Fiscal Year
1999
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
University of Alabama Birmingham
Department
Anesthesiology
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
004514360
City
Birmingham
State
AL
Country
United States
Zip Code
35294
Denicola, Ana; Batthyany, Carlos; Lissi, Eduardo et al. (2002) Diffusion of nitric oxide into low density lipoprotein. J Biol Chem 277:932-6
Rubbo, Homero; Botti, Horacio; Batthyany, Carlos et al. (2002) Antioxidant and diffusion properties of nitric oxide in low-density lipoprotein. Methods Enzymol 359:200-9