Intracellular iron reacts with hydrogen peroxide generated during ischemia-reperfusion to produce the most reactive oxygen species known. This reaction, central to hydroxyl radical generation, is called:
- A Fenton reaction ✓
- B Haber-Weiss reaction
- C Respiratory burst oxidase reaction
- D Xanthine oxidase reaction
Explanation
The Fenton reaction is Fe2+ plus H2O2 yielding Fe3+, hydroxide ion, and the hydroxyl radical, the most reactive free radical. The Haber-Weiss reaction generates hydroxyl radical from superoxide and hydrogen peroxide but is slow unless catalyzed by iron, which is why Fenton chemistry dominates in vivo. The respiratory burst uses NADPH oxidase in phagocytes, and xanthine oxidase generates superoxide during reperfusion, but neither directly yields hydroxyl radical from iron and peroxide.
Reference: Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease, 10th ed.
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