Morphologic assessment of oxidative damage: A review

Biochemical studies have indicated changes in antioxidant enzyme activities and increased oxidative damage products in many disease states, particular ly aging and diseases associated with aging, such as neurodegenerative dise ases and cancer. To try to determine cellular and subcellular localization of oxidative damage, our laboratory has developed quantitative light and el ectron microscopy immunogold techniques using specific antibodies to oxidat ive damage products. Results from studies of different pathologic processes are presented, illustrating that both localization and quantitation of oxi dative damage products is possible. These analyses give important insights into the nature of various pathologic processes.