Work

Light-Mediated Conversion of Nitrogen Dioxide to Nitric Oxide by Carotenoids

Year: 1994

Type: article

Abstract: Plants are more susceptible to the toxic effects of nitrogen dioxide when exposure takes place in the dark. Beta-carotene and other common carotenoids react with nitrogen dioxide in the dark to yield intermediate nitrosating agents consistent with the formation of nitrate esters. Simultaneous exposure of carotenoids to NO2 and light significantly reduced formation of nitrosating intermediates and resulted in the release of nitric oxide (NO) into the gas phase. Light-mediated reduction of NO2 to NO by carotenoids may be an important mechanism for preventing damage in plants exposed to NO2. The formation of nitrosating agents from the reaction of carotenoids with NO2 suggests that their ability to prevent nirosative damage associated with NO2 exposure in both plants and animals may be limited in the absence of light.

Source: Environmental Health Perspectives

DOI: 10.1289/ehp.94102460

Authors: R V Cooney, P J Harwood, L J Custer, A A Franke

Institutions: University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, University of Hawaii System, University of Hawaii Cancer Center

Language: English

Topic: Antioxidant Activity and Oxidative Stress

Subfield: Biochemistry

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $4,500

Funders: National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences