Modeling the interaction of peroxynitrite with low-density lipoproteins. II: reaction/diffusion model of peroxynitrite in low-density lipoprotein particles

Peroxynitrite is a possible initiator for the free radical chain reaction that results in peroxidation of low-density lipoproteins (LDL) which is the first step in atherogenisis. This paper reports on the use of a diffusion/reaction model to examine the processes involved in peroxynitrite attack on LDL particles. Results indicate that because of the short distance involved, diffusion is much more rapid than chemical decomposition. Because of this decoupling the free radicals generated by peroxynitrite decomposition may be found at any point in the LDL particle. At the concentrations expected in physiological systems only a small proportion of LDL particles may contain peroxynitrite molecules. However, these particles may still be profoundly effected because of the long reaction chain length expected after initiation.