slightlyodd » medicine http://slightlyodd.com multipurpose collection of stuff Tue, 15 Nov 2011 23:35:58 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 myeloperoxidase helps make chest goo green http://slightlyodd.com/2009/06/myeloperoxidase-helps-make-chest-goo-green?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=myeloperoxidase-helps-make-chest-goo-green http://slightlyodd.com/2009/06/myeloperoxidase-helps-make-chest-goo-green#comments Fri, 05 Jun 2009 08:51:53 +0000 cam http://slightlyodd.com/?p=66 myeloperoxidaseI’m pleased to report that it’s iron containing enzymes like myeloperoxidase that ensure that the colour of the stuff that comes out of your chest and head while sick is a charming green. Present in neutrophils (a type of white blood cell), this enzyme will convert hydrogen peroxide and free chloride ions into hypochlorus acid – not too dissimilar to what you use to clean your bathroom floor.

Sadly, spewing bleach all over the place tends to kill neutrophils, sending their proteiny remains out into your tissue to brighten your day. These are the things I think about when I cough up goo.


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