Analysis of reactive carbonyl species generated under oxidative stress

Abstract

Oxidation of membrane lipids by reactive oxygen species primarily generates lipid peroxides, from which various carbonyls, i.e., aldehydes and ketones, are formed. Among them, those with a carbonyl-conjugated C-C double bond have significant biological functions and are designated as reactive carbonyl species (RCS). A dozen kinds of RCS occurring in plant cells have a broad spectrum of reactivity and biological effects, depending on the structure. Several RCS have been recently found to activate caspase-like proteases in plants, thereby initiating PCD. Comprehensive and quantitative RCS analysis method using conventional HPLC is illustrated.