Morphologic assessment of oxidative damage: A review

Abstract

Biochemical studies have indicated changes in antioxidant enzyme activities and increased oxidative damage products in many disease states, particularly aging and diseases associated with aging, such as neurodegenerative diseases and cancer. To try to determine cellular and subcellular localization of oxidative damage, our laboratory has developed quantitative light and electron microscopy immunogold techniques using specific antibodies to oxidative damage products. Results from studies of different pathologic processes are presented, illustrating that both localization and quantitation of oxidative damage products is possible. These analyses give important insights into the nature of various pathologic processes.