Abstract
Free radical damage to endothelial cells is implicated in the pathogenesis of arteriosclerosis. We show that platelet monoamine oxidase (MAO) synthesizes 3,4-dihydroxyphenylglycolaldeyde (DOPEGAL), the free radical generating metabolite of norepinephrine (NE). Platelet synthesis of DOPEGAL could contribute to arteriosclerosis and provide a target for protective therapy to prevent arteriosclerosis in medical conditions with elevated NE levels.
Keywords: 3,4-dihydroxyphenylglycolaldehyde, Free radicals, Arteriosclerosis, Platelets, Monoamine oxidase