Induction of Oxidative Stress and Dysfunction of Nitric Oxide-Dependent Vascular Tone Caused by Quinones Contained in Diesel Exhaust Particles

This article reviews studies of overproduction of reactive oxygen species during reductive activation of quinones contained in diesel exhaust particles. The resulting inhibition of nitric oxide synthase activity causing suppression of vasorelaxation by phenanthraquinone, one of the quinone in diesel exhaust particles, is also reviewed.