Abstract
Abstract
Three forms of superoxide dismutase (SOD) exist in the lung: CuZnSOD, MnSOD and extracellular SOD. Evidence suggests that both CuZnSOD and MnSOD are important in pulmonary defense against oxygen toxicity. Enhancement of pulmonary levels of CuZnSOD by transgenic overexpression of CuZnSOD, or tracheal insufflation of liposome-encapsulated or polyethylene glycol-conjugated CuZnSOD, protects animals against oxygen toxicity. Likewise, transgenic overexpression of MnSOD, or induction of endogenous MnSOD by endotoxin, tumor necrosis factor, or interleukin 1, also protects animals against oxygen toxicity. The role of extracellular SOD in the pulmonary defense against oxygen toxicity is not clear.
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