The role of lipid peroxidation in the mechanism of stress

A concept on the mechanism of stress response is substantiated proceeding from the data available in literature and obtained from the author's research made on the radiation stress model. The conception envisages that products of lipid peroxidation (LPO) appear as primary (under direct effect of a stress factor on tissues) and secondary (as a consequence of high- and long-term catecholamine++) mediators. Mobilization of stress-realizing systems in that process is regarded as an adequate response of the auto-oxidative++ system to the primary activation of LPO. Transformation of catecholamines into the factor of LPO stimulation (secondary) is a result of an increase in the relative role of the quinoid way to transform catecholamines in the case of their high concentration. Radical intermediates of the quinoid metabolism appear as LPO initiators. An important pathogenetic role of LPO activation in the stress mechanism substantiates expedience to use antioxidants as agents for prophylaxis and early treatment of stress-factor injuries.