Detection of Endogenously Nitrated Proteins

Using the antinitrotyrosine antibody, we and others have seen specific staining for nitrated protein in a number of diseases and conditions, including the endothelium and plaques in atherosclerotic vessels (Beckman et al., 

synovial joints in rheumatoid arthritis, septic lung and heart, ischemic brain, and spinal cord of patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. We contend that nitrotyrosine residues in proteins are specific footprints of ONOO based on the demonstrated ability and efficiency of ONOO to act as a nitrating agent both in vitro and ex vivo (e.g., when added to cells or tissue homogenates) and based on the lack of credible evidence for production of any other reasonable nitrating species in vivo. 

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