BACKGROUND: Extracellular superoxide dismutase (EC-SOD) is a principal enzymatic
scavenger of the superoxide anion in extracellular spaces. It is thought to be important as a
defense against superoxide-mediated damage to both cell surfaces and extracellular matrix
proteins. EC-SOD may also be important in regulating intercellular signalling by extracellular
superoxide. EC-SOD is believed to be mainly located in the extracellular matrix of tissues.
However, the specific localization of EC-SOD is unknown. Knowledge of the distribution of …