Generation of superoxide anion by brain endothelial cell xanthine oxidase

Abstract

Bovine brain endothelial cells (EC) that were isolated and propagated in pure culture had increased (greater than 20-fold) levels of xanthine oxidase and xanthine dehydrogenase activity compared to whole brain homogenate. Brain EC also released superoxide anion (O2-) into the extracellular medium. Treatment of EC with tungsten decreased (P less than 0.05) both XO activity and O2- release. XO appears to be highly concentrated in cerebral vascular endothelium and may be an important source of O2-.