Nucleotide modification, a radical mechanism of oxidative toxicity

Reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) reacts rapidly with hypochlorite to form five major products separable by reversed-phase high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC). The involvement of a free radical mechanism is indicated by an electron spin resonance (ESR) signal as well as unusual pH changes and the uptake of oxygen. The present work suggests that hypochlorite may contribute to the cytotoxic activity of phagocytic cells through its ability to modify important cellular components by means of radicals generated by its reaction with reduced pyridine nucleotides.