Abstract
The endothelial cell integrates mechanical and biochemical signals capable of stimulating the production of nitric oxide (NO) and superoxide anion (O2*¯). O2*¯ reacts directly with NO, reducing its bioavailability and generating peroxynitrite (ONOO-). In the vasculature the O2*¯ levels are determined mainly by the activity of the enzyme NAD(P) H oxidase and its metabolism in H2O2 by the …