Skip to main content
peroxynitrite

peroxynitrite

1 9.9
A harmful chemical made in the body that damages cells and can cause disease
  • noun
  • /pəˌrɒksɪˈnaɪtraɪt/
  • Specialized
: peroxinitrito
  • Peroxynitrite is a highly reactive nitrogen species and a potent inducer of apoptosis and necrosis in somatic cells.
  • peroxynitrite-mediated nitrosative
  • peroxynitrite-induced nitrosative stress
  • cell death induced by peroxynitrite

Examples

  • Research shows that peroxynitrite formation in the body is linked to several chronic diseases.

  • This work provides a new insight into the pathophysiology and cytotoxicity induced by peroxynitrite in human spermatozoa.

    Academic text (2018)
  • The scheme shown in Figure 5 summarizes these and previous results of our work group regarding the negative effect of peroxynitrite on human sperm.

    Academic text (2018)
  • First, experimental conditions in which peroxynitrite causes cell death of human spermatozoa were established.

    Academic text (2018)
  • This is the first report about the deleterious effect of peroxynitrite or nitrosative stress on sperm ultrastructure.

    Academic text (2018)
  • Thus, these experimental conditions were used to analyze the biochemical markers and morphological alterations associated with cell death induced by peroxynitrite in human spermatozoa.

    Academic text (2018)
  • Prolonged exposure of spermatozoa to peroxynitrite causes ultrastructural damage and biochemical markers of cell death compatible with MPT-driven necrosis.

    Academic text (2018)
  • In conclusion, peroxynitrite-mediated nitrosative stress induces the regulated variant of cell death known as MPT-driven necrosis in human spermatozoa.

    Academic text (2018)
  • Finally, when the ultrastructure in spermatozoa exposed to peroxynitrite was analyzed, an impairment of ultramorphological characteristics was clearly appreciated, especially after prolonged incubation.

    Academic text (2018)
  • Thus, the aim of this study was to characterize the biochemical and morphological features of cell death induced in vitro by peroxynitrite-mediated nitrosative stress in human spermatozoa.

    Academic text (2018)

Surface Forms

peroxynitrite singular

Morphology

peroxynitrite = nitrite (opaque) = peroxy + nitrite

Peroxy and nitrite are specialized chemical combining forms and their combined meaning is technical; a B1 learner knowing 'nitrite' would not reliably infer 'peroxynitrite'.

Etymology

Peroxynitrite comes from peroxy meaning 'with extra oxygen' (as in peroxide) and nitrite from nitrogen meaning 'nitrogen'. The name pictures an oxygen-rich nitrogen chemical, which helps explain why it 'reacts easily' and can damage cells.