Trolox protects mitochondrial complex IV from nitric oxide-mediated damage in astrocytes.

The efficacy of cystine, ascorbate and trolox, a vitamin E analogue, at protecting against nitric oxide-mediated mitochondrial complex IV damage has been investigated in cultured astrocytes. Of these compounds, only trolox afforded protection. It is suggested that lipid peroxidation is responsible for nitric oxide-mediated mitochondrial damage and that inhibitors of this process may be of therapeutic benefit in conditions where excessive nitric oxide production is implicated.