Myeloperoxidase Activity

Myeloperoxidase (donor: H₂O₂ oxidoreductase, EC 1.11.1.7) (MPO) is a potent bactericidal agent within neutrophils ^{1 , 2} and monocytes. ^{3 , 4} This bactericidal activity is due to the production of hypochlorous acid from H₂O₂ and Cl⁻. ^{5 - 8} The hypochlorous acid reacts with amines ^{9 - 13} and sulfhydryls, ^{13 - 15} forms reactive aldehydes, ^{9 , 12 , 16 - 18} breaks peptide bonds, ¹⁸ is a weak mutagen, ¹⁹ and ultimately kills microorganisms. ^{11 , 13 , 14}