Photooxidation of epinephrine sensitized by methylene blue as an assay for the evaluation of alpha-mercaptopropionylglycine as a free radical scavenger

Boll Soc Ital Biol Sper. 1982 Apr 30;58(8):444-9.

Abstract

Free radicals, which are instable intermediates of some biochemical reactions, are produced everywhere in the living matter. They may induce cell membrane lipid peroxidation, with non reversible letal effects. Alpha-mercaptopropionylglycine capability of scavenging free radicals has been tested. H2O2 has been used as a free radical donor under actinic light, epinephrine oxidation to adrenochrome as a revealing system and methylene blue as sensitizing agent. alpha-MPG at 6 mM concentration showed the maximal inhibition of free radical formation in our system. Higher concentrations were unable to produce further inhibition.

MeSH terms

  • Amino Acids, Sulfur / metabolism*
  • Epinephrine / metabolism*
  • Free Radicals
  • Hydrogen Peroxide / metabolism
  • Methylene Blue / pharmacology*
  • Photochemistry
  • Tiopronin / metabolism*

Substances

  • Amino Acids, Sulfur
  • Free Radicals
  • Hydrogen Peroxide
  • Tiopronin
  • Methylene Blue
  • Epinephrine