Nitration modifying function of proteins, hormones and neurotransmitters

Several lines of evidence have been accumulated for occurrence of nitration in vivo. In this brief review, we summarized nitration studies on function al changes of proteins, hormones and neurotransmitters, before as well as a fter the discovery of peroxynitrite. Most of nitrated molecules exhibit les s active properties than the parental compounds. It is still unknown whethe r nitration is merely a footprint of oxidative stress, an important pathway of nitric oxide metabolisms or a part of integral processes for maintainin g cellular homeostasis.