OXIDATIVE INJURY IN THE NERVOUS-SYSTEM

A free radical is a highly reactive chemical species that can react wi th organic macromolecules leading to cell and tissue damage and conseq uent functional disruption. Free radical or oxidative injury is increa singly recognized as an important factor in the pathophysiology of man y human diseases, including those that affect the nervous system. This review summarizes important evidence implicating oxidative injury in the pathogenesis and progression of many important neurological disord ers, including cerebrovascular disease, epilepsy, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and Huntington's disease. Results of controlled clinical tr ials of various antioxidant therapies in neurological disease performe d to date are also highlighted.