| Abstract: | Recent investigations have indicated the presence of a fatty acid binding protein (FABP) in mammalian heart. This protein binds free fatty acids and their esters with high affinity, however, its physiological role remains unknown. Since FABP constitutes a significant amount of cystolic protein, it is likely that it would be a target for free radical attack. To test this hypothesis, FABP was examined for scavenging against free radicals such as the superoxide anion (O?2,). hydroxyl radical (OH') and hypochlorite radical (OCl') which may be present in an ischemic reperfused heart. Our results suggest that FABP scavenges O?2, OH' and OCl' as indicated by the FABP inhibition of O?2-dependent reduction of cytochrome c, OH'-dependent hydroxybenzoic acid formation and OCl'-mediated chemiluminescence response. FABP was found to be a more potent scavenger of these free radicals compared to bovine serum albumin. Furthermore, FABP was more effective in scavenging OH' than O?2, and inhibited OH' mediated lipid peroxidation process. These results indicate that FABP can scavenge free radicals which may be present in an ischemic/reperfused heart and, thus, may play a significant physiological role in the heart during ischemia and reperfusion. |
