Effect of epinephrine on the level of free radicals in human plasma and erythrocytes

The electron-spin resonance method was applied to examine human plasma and red cells at a temperature of 77 degrees K and variation in the level of free radicals (FR) under the effect of adrenaline. In plasma, the signals of transferrin (g approximately 4.26), ceruloplasmin (g approximately 2.05), and FR (g approximately 2.0024-2.0029 and delta H 6-8 Oe) were registered, while in red cells, the signals of hemoglobin (g approximately 6.00), superoxide dismutase (g approximately 2.063), and flavosemiquinone (g approximately 2.0030-2.0040 and delta H 12-15 Oe). Addition of adrenaline entailed an increase in the level of FR and a lowering of the ceruloplasmin signal intensity in plasma. The level of FR in red cells was found to be elevated. The mechanisms of the phenomena described are discussed.