| Nitric oxide (NO· ) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2.) are reactive nitrogen species which are radicals, ie they have an unpaired electron, usually associated with the nitrogen atom1. NO· is not very reactive with other non-radicals, but reacts rapidly with other radicals eg reaction with O2· - to form the non-radical peroxynitrite ONOO- (a reactive nitrogen or oxygen species)1. NO· is a colourless gas which diffuses easily within and between body cells, where it has important physiological actions1. NO· ’s ability to scavenge ONOO- and other damaging radicals may make it an important antioxidant in vivo2.
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