This enzyme may be important for protection of the lung or other organs from the detrimental effects of oxidants and may also be involved in the metabolism of certain drugs and endogenous compounds. We are particularly interested in the nature of its endogenous and pharmacological substrates, including anticancer drugs like doxorubicin and mitomycin C that undergo oxidation and reduction reactions that contribute to their therapeutic and side effects. Studies of the endothelial reductase are carried out using the intact perfused lung, endothelial cells in culture and partially purified endothelial membranes to characterize and further purify this enzyme. Some of the techniques involved are protein labelling procedures including biotinylation, affinity purification, and gel electrophoresis. Separation of cell surface reduction from intracellular reoxidation.
Cyanide increases reduction but decreases sequestration of methylene blue by endothelial cells.