Superoxide Dismutase Activity inLeukocytes

A BSTRACT Superoxide dismutase activity hasbeen identified inbothhumanneutrophils andrabbit alveolar macrophages bytwodistinct assayprocedures. Theenzymeisinsensitive tobothcyanide andazideandis present inthecytosol ofthecell. Theidentification of thisenzymeinphagocytic cells iscompatible withthe theory thatsuperoxide anionmightbeinvolved inthe bactericidal activity ofthecell. Itisproposed thatthe enzymefunctions toprotect thecell against superoxide generated during thephagocytic process.