Reactive nitrogen species and its biological effects

Abstract

Free radicals are classified into three main categories Reactive oxygen species, Reactive nitrogen species and Reactive chlorine species. The present review is based on Reactive nitrogen species. The chemical compound nitric oxide is a gas with chemical formula NO. It is an important signaling molecule in the body of mammals including humans. It is also a toxic air pollutant produced by automobile engines and power plants. The nitric oxide molecule is a free radical, which makes it very reactive and unstable. In air, it quickly reacts with oxygen to form the poisonous nitrogen dioxide. Some important Reactive nitrogen species are nitric oxide, Sodium Nitrite, Nitrosamines and Sodium Nitro Prusside.