The protective role of ceruloplasmin against the activity of free radicals in brain ischaemia.

Free radicals are atoms, groups of atoms or particles having on their last orbital at least one unpaired electron. This feature decides about their great chemical reactivity and lability (12, 16). To potentially toxic oxygen radicals belong: peroxidal anion radical, hydroxidal radical, hydrogen peroxide, hydroxylic radical, peroxidal lipid radical, singletal oxygen (12). The presence of free radicals in biological systems may play a role in etiopathogenesis of different illnesses. Overactivity of these compounds causes damage of tissues and bodily organs (3, 16, 18).