Cellular mechanisms of peroxynitrite-induced neuronal death

Peroxynitrite (ONOO−) is a strong biological oxidant formed by the diffusion-limited reaction of nitric oxide (NO−) and superoxide anion (O2−). It has long been theorized that peroxynitrite generation could be the cause in a number of pathological conditions ranging from atherosclerosis to inflammatory, autoimmune, heart and neurodegenerative diseases. Its relatively long biological half-life and high reactivity allows peroxynitrite to oxidize a number of different targets in the cell. In physiologically relevant conditions peroxynitrite can directly react with thiols, or the radical products of peroxynitrite decomposition may indirectly oxidize other cellular components such as lipids, proteins and DNA. Downstream, oxidative modifications caused by peroxynitrite trigger cell death by a variety of mechanisms depending on the concentration of the oxidant. Peroxynitrite stimulates necrosis, apoptosis, autophagy, parthanatos and necroptosis. Here we review the mechanisms activated by peroxynitrite to cause neuronal death.