ABSTRACT
This chapter presents neutrophils can, and do, generate hypochlorous acid (HOCl) when activated in an inflammatory setting. Neutrophils are the body's predominant phagocytes, with their primary function being the killing and disposal of invading microorganisms. HOCl also promoted the detachment of endothelial cells from a Matrigel substratum, and the degradation of collagen by neutrophil proteinases has been shown to be enhanced following pretreatment of extracellular matrix (ECM) with myeloperoxidase-derived oxidants. The potential for these oxidants to react with highly susceptible thiols, proteins, and other vital cellular targets has prompted the search for effective inhibitors of myeloperoxidase, aimed at the prevention of this oxidant generation. The fast reaction of the chlorinated oxidants with thiols has highlighted their potential for influencing cell signaling events as well as cell growth and survival that are often dependent on a thiol-mediated process. Transchlorination reactions may allow these oxidants to be relayed to targets far from where original oxidant was formed.
