Abstract
This chapter discusses the production of free radicals while focusing on oxygen free radicals. A free radical is defined in very general terms as an organizational state of a molecule or atom having a free electron associated with it. Almost all atoms or molecules in biological systems exist such that their electrons are paired. Thus the existence of a free radical is an unusual occurrence in most chemical and biochemical systems. Research results show that free radicals are important etiological agents in the development of cardiovascular diseases. The major free radicals that are of importance involve primarily two classes: oxygen free radicals and nitric oxide. A significant number of all patients who have a heart attack and survive eventually develop some type of neurological problems. In addition, there is an increasing number of people who suffer from neurodegenerative diseases. It is quite clear that oxygen free radicals play a significant role in the etiology of neurodegenerative diseases. Focusing on the cerebral vasculature, it becomes clear that the microvasculature cells produce oxygen free radicals in increased amounts as a result of anoxia/reoxygenation. The oxygen free radicals produced by localized activated leukocytes are also a significant source of oxidative damage.
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