What does peroxynitrite do in cytotoxicity of cells?

[azureblue15]

An article was given to us by our zoology professor entitled "DNA strand breakage, activation of poly(ADP-ribose) synthetase, and cellular energy depletion are involved in the cytotoxicity in macrophages and smooth muscle cells exposed to peroxynitrite". The article is basically in the field of biochemistry and she told us to read it and site our reactions about it; however, I could not understand the article. I have tried to search the internet for further information about the article but I only arrived in finding other links having the article. (No further information. Just the article itself.)

What I understood is that cell exposure to peroxynitrite does present depletion of cellular respiration in the cell, DNA strand breakage, and poly(ADP-ribose) synthetase or PARS activation and that 3-aminobenzamide (which is an inhibitor of poly(ADP-ribose) synthetase) helps in protecting the cell against the decrease in cellular viability in cells exposed to peroxynitrite. Also, peroxynitrite has a very short half-life so it would be very much impossible for it to penetrate the cell membrane and exhibit the findings found in the experiment such as damaging the DNA of the cell and depleting its cellular energy. Observations acquired from the experiment were done after the cell was exposed to hydrogen peroxide which could likely make the active metabolite hydroxyl radical and thereby exposing the cell’s structures. The study was conducted by adding the peroxynitrite to the cells using standard DMEM (Dulbecco’s modified Eagle’s medium) culture medium.

I do not know if what I understood about the article is correct but this is the best understanding of the article that I can arrive at the moment. Can somebody please help me understand what the article is basically all about? If I can have that, I may be able to come up with the reaction I am asked by my professor. All help are appreciated. Thank you.

Here is the link for the article: http://www.inotekcorp.com/publications/pdf/ipcpub1.pdf

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