Modeling the interaction of peroxynitrite with low-density lipoproteins. I. Plasma levels of peroxynitrite

Peroxynitrite is a strong candidate for the material responsible for the in itiation of peroxidation of low-density lipoproteins (LDLs) which is consid ered the first step in the formation of atherosclerotic plaque. Recent adva nces in the understanding of peroxynitrite chemistry allow the construction of a kinetic model that can be used to understand the factors controlling levels in plasma. These results indicate that the carbon dioxide catalysed decomposition of peroxynitrite produces large quantities of reactive specie s, but the rapid decomposition of this intermediate, ONOOCO2-, may limit it s availability to attack LDLs at points distant from the site of production . In this case, peroxynitrite itself may be of greater quantitative importa nce in LDL peroxidation. (C) 2000 Academic Press.