The formation of free radicals and other highly reactive oxygen species has been implicated in the pathogenesis
of many disease states (1). The ability to identify these
species is crucial, and spin trapping has accomplished
this goal. DMPO (5,5-dimethyl-1-pyrroline N-oxide) is one of
the least toxic to cells and animals, and possesses convenient
pharmacokinetics (uptake, distribution, metabolism and
excretion) in biological systems (2-6).
Recent studies have determined that nitric oxide may
substantially affect the quantitative determination of DMPO
adducts, and therefore extra caution is required when studying
generation of these species in the presence of nitric oxide or
its radicals (1). DMPO adducts can be generated with protein
and DNA radicals (7).