Aggregation of alpha-synuclein induced by the Cu,Zn-superoxide dismutase and hydrogen peroxide system

Alpha-synuclein is a major component of the abnormal protein aggregation in Lewy bodies of Parkinson's disease (PD) and senile plaques of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Previous studies have shown that the aggregation of alpha-synuclein was induced by copper (II) and H(2)O(2) system. Since copper ions could be released from oxidatively damaged Cu,Zn-superoxide dismutase (SOD), we investigated the role of Cu,Zn-SOD in the aggregation of alpha-synuclein. When alpha-synuclein was incubated with both Cu,Zn-SOD and H(2)O(2), alpha-synuclein was induced to be aggregated. This process was inhibited by radical scavengers and spin trapping agents such as 5,5'-dimethyl 1-pyrolline N-oxide and tert-butyl-alpha-phenylnitrone. Copper chelators, diethyldithiocarbamate and penicillamine, also inhibited the Cu,Zn-SOD/H(2)O(2) system-induced alpha-synuclein aggregation. These results suggest that the aggregation of alpha-synuclein is mediated by the Cu,Zn-SOD/H(2)O(2) system via the generation of hydroxyl radical by the free radical-generating function of the enzyme. The Cu,Zn-SOD/H(2)O(2)-induced alpha-synuclein aggregates displayed strong thioflavin-S reactivity, reminiscent of amyloid. These results suggest that the Cu,Zn-SOD/H(2)O(2) system might be related to abnormal aggregation of alpha-synuclein, which may be involved in the pathogenesis of PD and related disorders.     

Hydroxyl radical production by H2O2 plus Cu,Zn-superoxide dismutase reflects the activity of free copper released from the oxidatively damaged enzyme.

To elaborate the catalytic activity of Cu2+ of Cu,Zn-superoxide dismutase (SOD) in the generation of hydroxyl radical (.OH) from H2O2, we investigated the mechanism of inactivation of alpha 1-protease inhibitor (alpha 1-PI), mediated by H2O2 and Cu,Zn-SOD. When alpha 1-PI was incubated with 500 units/ml Cu,Zn-SOD and 1.0 mM H2O2, 60% of anti-elastase activity of alpha 1-PI was lost within 90 min. ESR spin trapping using 5,5-dimethyl-1-pyrroline N-oxide showed that free .OH was indeed generated in the reaction of Cu,Zn-SOD/H2O2; this was substantiated by the almost complete eradication of .OH by either ethanol or dimethyl sulfoxide accompanied by the generation of carbon-centered radicals. .OH production and alpha 1-PI inactivation in the H2O2/SOD system became apparent at 30 min or later. Dimethyl sulfoxide and 5,5-dimethyl-1-pyrroline N-oxide protected inactivation of alpha 1-PI significantly in this system, indicating that alpha 1-PI inactivation was mediated by .OH. SOD activity decreased rapidly during the reaction with H2O2 for the initial 30 min. Time-dependent changes in the ESR signal of SOD showed the destruction of ligands for Cu2+ in SOD by H2O2 within this initial period. Thus we conclude that inactivation of alpha 1-PI is mediated in the H2O2/Cu,Zn-SOD system via the generation of .OH by free Cu2+ released from oxidatively damaged SOD.     

铜锌超氧物歧化酶对几种羟自由基产生系统的影响

应用脱氧核糖降解法研究了ＣｕＺｎ－ＳＯＤ对几种·ＯＨ产生系统的作用机理．结果证明：ＳＯＤ对Ｆｅ（３＋）·Ｏ·Ｈ２Ｏ２系统中·ＯＨ的产生有明显的抑制作用,而失活ＳＯＤ或ＢＳＡ对它的抑制作用不大;在Ｆｅ（２＋）·Ｈ２Ｏ２和ＣＵ（２＋）·Ｈ２Ｏ２系统中,ＳＯＤ、失活ＳＯＤ和ＢＡＳ均能抑制·ＯＨ的产生;在Ｆｅ（２＋）·Ｏ系统中,ＳＯＤ对·ＯＨ产生作用不大,而失活ＳＯＤ或ＢＳＡ对它有明显的抑制作用．由此推测ＳＯＤ对·ＯＨ形成可能有三方面的影响：１．对Ｏ的清除作用,阻断Ｈａｂｅｒ－Ｗｅｉｓｓ反应;２．对金属离子的络合作用,降低·ＯＨ的产额;３．促进Ｈ２Ｏ２的积累,加快Ｆｅｎｔｏｎ反应．     

The requirement for iron (III) in the initiation of lipid peroxidation by iron (II) and hydrogen peroxide

The initiation of lipid peroxidation by Fe2+ and H2O2 (Fenton's reagent) is often proposed to be mediated by the highly reactive hydroxyl radical. Using Fe2+, H2O2, and phospholipid liposomes as a model system, we have found that lipid peroxidation, as assessed by malondialdehyde formation, is not initiated by the hydroxyl radical, but rather requires Fe3+ and Fe2+. EPR spin trapping with 5,5-dimethyl-1-pyrroline-N-oxide and the bleaching of para-nitrosodimethylaniline confirmed the generation of the hydroxyl radical in this system. Accordingly, catalase and the hydroxyl radical scavengers mannitol and benzoate efficiently inhibited the generation and the detection of hydroxyl radical. However, catalase, mannitol, and benzoate could either stimulate or inhibit lipid peroxidation. These unusual effects were found to be consistent with their ability to modulate the extent of Fe2+ oxidation by H2O2 and demonstrated that lipid peroxidation depends on the Fe3+:Fe2+ ratio, maximal initial rates occurring at 1:1. These studies suggest that the initiation of liposomal peroxidation by Fe2+ and H2O2 is mediated by an oxidant which requires both Fe3+ and Fe2+ and that the rate of the reaction is determined by the absolute Fe3+:Fe2+ ratio.     

Hydrogen peroxide-mediated Cu,Zn-superoxide dismutase fragmentation: protection by carnosine, homocarnosine and anserine

The fragmentation of human Cu,Zn-superoxide dismutase (SOD) was observed during incubation with H(2)O(2). Hydroxyl radical scavengers such as sodium azide, formate and mannitol protected the fragmentation of Cu,Zn-SOD. These results suggested that *OH was implicated in the hydrogen peroxide-mediated Cu,Zn-SOD fragmentation. Carnosine, homocarnosine and anserine have been proposed to act as anti-oxidants in vivo. We investigated whether three compounds could protect the fragmentation of Cu,Zn-SOD induced by H(2)O(2). The results showed that carnosine, homocarnosine and anserine significantly protected the fragmentation of Cu,Zn-SOD. All three compounds also protected the loss of enzyme activity induced by H(2)O(2). Carnosine, homocarnosine and anserine effectively inhibited the formation of *OH by the Cu,Zn-SOD/H(2)O(2) system. These results suggest that carnosine and related compounds can protect the hydrogen peroxide-mediated Cu,Zn-SOD fragmentation through the scavenging of *OH.     

Inhibitory effect of eugenol on Cu2+-catalyzed lipid peroxidation in human erythrocyte membranes

1. The effects of eugenol on lipid peroxidation catalyzed by hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) or benzoyl peroxide (BPO) in the presence of copper ions were studied in human erythrocyte membranes. 2. The production of hydroxyl radicals was suggested in the peroxidation system catalyzed by H2O2/Cu2+. 3. H2O2/Cu2+-dependent peroxidation was inhibited by eugenol in a concentration-dependent manner; peroxidation was inhibited 62% by 200 microM eugenol. 4. In the presence of eugenol, the peroxidation catalyzed by BPO/Cu2+ was inhibited in a concentration-dependent manner, and more than 100 microM eugenol completely inhibited peroxidation. 5. The inhibitory effect of eugenol was non-competitive against Cu2+ in H2O2/Cu2+- and BPO/Cu2+-dependent peroxidation. 6. It is suggested that eugenol inhibits formation of hydroxyl radicals.     

Site-specific and random fragmentation of Cu,Zn-superoxide dismutase by glycation reaction. Implication of reactive oxygen species.

Site-specific and random fragmentation of human Cu,Zn-superoxide dismutase (Cu,Zn-SOD) was observed following the glycation reaction (the early stage of the Maillard reaction). The fragmentation proceeded in two steps. In the first step, Cu,Zn-SOD was cleaved at a peptide bond between Pro62 and His63, as judged by amino acid analysis and sequencing of fragment peptides, yielding a large (15 kDa) and a small (5 kDa) fragment. In the second step, random fragmentation occurred. The ESR spectrum of the glycated Cu,Zn-SOD suggested that reactive oxygen species was implicated in the both steps of fragmentation. The same fragmentations were seen upon exposure of the enzyme to an H2O2 bolus. Catalase completely blocked both steps of the fragmentation process, whereas EDTA blocked only the second step. Incubation with glucose resulted in a time-dependent release of Cu2+ from the Cu,Zn-SOD molecule. The released Cu2+ then likely participated in a Fenton's type of reaction to produce hydroxyl radical, which may cause the nonspecific fragmentation. Evidence that EDTA abolished only the second step of fragmentation induced by an H2O2 bolus supports this mechanism. This is the first report that a site-specific fragmentation of a protein is caused by reactive oxygen species formed by the Maillard reaction.     

Oxidative modification of neurofilament-L by the Cu,Zn-superoxide dismutase and hydrogen peroxide system

Neurofilament-L (NF-L) is a major element of neuronal cytoskeletons and known to be important for their survival in vivo. Since oxidative stress might play a critical role in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases, we investigated the role of Cu,Zn-superoxide dismutase (SOD) in the modification of NF-L. When disassembled NF-L was incubated with Cu,Zn-SOD and H2O2, the aggregation of protein was proportional to the concentration of hydrogen peroxide. Cu,Zn-SOD/H2O2-mediated modification of NF-L was significantly inhibited by radical scavenger, spin trap agents and copper chelators. Dityrosine crosslink formation was obtained in Cu,Zn-SOD/H2O2-mediated NF-L aggregates. Antioxidant molecules, carnosine and anserine significantly inhibited the aggregation of NF-L and the formation of dityrosine. This study suggests that copper-mediated NF-L modification may be closely related to oxidative reactions which play a critical role in neurodegenerative diseases.     

Copper ions potentiate organic hydroperoxide and hydrogen peroxide toxicity through different mechanisms in Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris

Copper (Cu)-based biocides are important chemical controls for both fungal and bacterial diseases in crop fields. Here, we showed that Cu ions at a concentration of 100 μM enhanced t-butyl hydroperoxide (tBOOH) and hydrogen peroxide (H(2) O(2) ) killing of Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris through different mechanisms. The addition of an antilipid peroxidation agent (α-tocopherol) and hydroxyl radical scavengers (glycerol and dimethyl sulphoxide) partially protected the bacteria from the Cu-enhanced tBOOH and H(2) O(2) killing, respectively. Inactivation of the alkyl hydroperoxide reductase gene rendered the mutant vulnerable to lethal doses of copper sulphate, which could be alleviated by the addition of an H(2) O(2) scavenger (pyruvate) and α-tocopherol. Taken together, the data suggest that Cu ions influence the killing effect of tBOOH through the stimulation of lipid peroxidation, while hydroxyl radical production is the underlying mechanism responsible for the Cu-ion-enhanced H(2) O(2) killing effects.     

Initiation of membranal lipid peroxidation by activated metmyoglobin and methemoglobin

The interaction of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) with metmyoglobin (MetMb) led very rapidly to the generation of an active species which could initiate lipid peroxidation. The activity of this prooxidant decreased rapidly during the first minutes, but 50% of its activity remained stable for more than 30 min. In this model system, it was found that small amounts of H2O2 (1-10 microM) could activate MetMb for significant lipid peroxidation. The incubation of the sarcosomal lipids with activated MetMb caused oxygen absorption. No absorption of oxygen was determined in the presence of membrane with MetMb or H2O2 alone. Methemoglobin (MetHb) was also found to be activated by H2O2 and to initiate lipid peroxidation. Membranal lipid peroxidation initiated by activated MetMb was inhibited by several reducing compounds and antioxidants. However, several hydroxyl radical scavengers and catalase failed to inhibit this reaction.     

渗透胁迫下稻苗中铁催化的膜脂过氧化作用

在－０．７ＭＰａ渗透胁迫下,水稻幼苗体内和Ｈ２Ｏ２大量产生,Ｆｅ２＋积累,膜脂过氧化作用加剧。水稻幼苗体内Ｆｅ２＋含量与膜脂过氧化产物ＭＤＡ含量呈极显著的正相关。外源Ｆｅ２＋、Ｆｅ３＋、Ｈ２Ｏ２、Ｆｅ２＋＋Ｈ２Ｏ２、ＤＤＴＣ均能刺激膜脂过氧化作用,而铁离子的螯合剂ＤＴＰＡ则有缓解作用。ＯＨ的清除剂苯甲酸钠和甘露醇能明显地抑制渗透胁迫下Ｆｅ２＋催化的膜脂过氧化作用。这都表明渗透胁迫下水稻幼苗体内铁诱导的膜脂过氧化作用主要是由于其催化Ｆｅｎｔｏｎ型Ｈａｂｅｒ－Ｗｅｉｓｓ反应形成ＯＨ所致。     

Antioxidant properties and protective effects of a standardized extract of Hypericum perforatum on hydrogen peroxide-induced oxidative damage in PC12 cells

Free radical scavenging and antioxidant activities of a standardized extract of Hypericum perforatum (SHP) were examined for inhibition of lipid peroxidation, for hydroxyl radical scavenging activity and interaction with 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl stable free radical (DPPH). Concentrations between 1 and 50 microg/ml of SHP effectively inhibited lipid peroxidation of rat brain cortex mitochondria induced by Fe2+/ascorbate or NADPH system. The results showed that SHP scavenged DPPH radical in a dose-dependent manner and also presented inhibitory effects on the activity of xanthine oxidase. In contrast, hydroxyl radical scavenging occurs at high doses. The protective effect of the standardized extract against H2O2-induced oxidative damage on the pheochromocytoma cell line PC 12 was investigated by measuring cell viability via 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) assays, caspase-3-enzyme activity and accumulation of reactive oxygen species [2',7'-dichlorofluorescin (DCF) assay]. Following 8-h cell exposure to H2O2 (300 microM), a marked reduction in cell survival was observed, which was significantly prevented by SHP (pre-incubated for 24 h) at 1-100 microg/ml. In a separate experiment, different concentrations of the standardized extract (0.1-100 microg/ml) also attenuated the increase in caspase-3 activity and suppressed the H2O2 -induced reactive oxygen species generation. Taken together, these results suggest that SHP shows relevant antioxidant activity both in vitro and in a cell system, by means of inhibiting free radical generation and lipid peroxidation.     

Enhanced oligomerization of the alpha-synuclein mutant by the Cu,Zn-superoxide dismutase and hydrogen peroxide system

The alpha-synuclein is a major component of Lewy bodies that are found in the brains of patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). Also, two point mutations in this protein, A53T and A30P, are associated with rare familial forms of the disease. We investigated whether there are differences in the Cu,Zn-SOD and hydrogen peroxide system mediated-protein modification between the wild-type and mutant alpha-synucleins. When alpha-synuclein was incubated with both Cu,Zn-SOD and H2O2, then the amount of A53T mutant oligomerization increased relative to that of the wild-type protein. This process was inhibited by radical scavenger, spin-trapping agent, and copper chelator. These results suggest that the oligomerization of alpha-synuclein is mediated by the generation of the hydroxyl radical through the metal-catalyzed reaction. The dityrosine formation of the A53T mutant protein was enhanced relative to that of the wild-type protein. Antioxidant molecules, carnosine, and anserine effectively inhibited the wild-type and mutant proteins' oligomerization. Therefore, these compounds may be explored as potential therapeutic agents for PD patients. The present experiments, in part, may provide an explanation for the association between PD and the alpha-synuclein mutant.     

铜锌超氧物歧化酶与过氧化氢反应中羟自由基的形成

应用脱氧核糖降解法研究了离体条件下Cu,Zn-SOD与H2O2反应产生·OH,并对其机理进行了探讨。H2O2可使Cu,Zn-SOD失活,在失活过程中有·OH产生,甲酸钠和苯甲酸钠均能不同程度地保护Cu,Zn-SOD和降低H2O2与Cu,Zn-SOD反应中·OH的产额;热失活SOD也可和H2O2反应生成·OH,且效能高于活性Cu,Zn-SOD;用螫合剂脱去Cu,Zn-SOD的金属辅基后,脱辅基的SOD蛋白不能和H2O2反应产生·OH;Cu2＋和H2O2反应产生·OH的效率很高,而Zn2＋产生·OH的效率很低。实验结果提示Cu,Zn－SOD与H2O2反应产生的·OH可能是SOD活性中心的Cu2＋与H2O2发生Fenton反应的结果．     

The role of iron in oxygen radical mediated lipid peroxidation

The role of iron in the peroxidation of polyunsaturated fatty acids is reviewed, especially with respect to the involvement of oxygen radicals. The hydroxyl radical can be generated by a superoxide-driven Haber-Weiss reaction or by Fenton's reaction; and the hydroxyl radical can initiate lipid peroxidation. However, lipid peroxidation is frequently insensitive to hydroxyl radical scavengers or superoxide dismutase. We propose that the hydroxyl radical may not be involved in the peroxidation of membrane lipids, but instead lipid peroxidation requires both Fe2+ and Fe3+. The inability of superoxide dismutase to affect lipid peroxidation can be explained by the fact that the direct reduction of iron can occur, exemplified by rat liver microsomal NADPH-dependent lipid peroxidation. Catalase can be stimulatory, inhibitory or without affect because H2O2 may oxidize some Fe2+ to form the required Fe3+, or, alternatively, excess H2O2 may inhibit by excessive oxidation of the Fe2+. In an analogous manner reductants can form the initiating complex by reduction of Fe3+, but complete reduction would inhibit lipid peroxidation. All of these redox reactions would be influenced by iron chelation.     

Mitochondrial Cu,Zn-superoxide dismutase mediates pulmonary fibrosis by augmenting H2O2 generation

The release of H(2)O(2) from alveolar macrophages has been linked to the development of pulmonary fibrosis, but little is known about its source or mechanism of production. We found that alveolar macrophages from asbestosis patients spontaneously produce high levels of H(2)O(2) and have high expression of Cu,Zn-superoxide dismutase (SOD). Because Cu,Zn-SOD is found in the mitochondrial intermembrane space (IMS), we hypothesized that mitochondrial Cu,Zn-SOD-mediated H(2)O(2) generation contributed to pulmonary fibrosis. Asbestos-induced translocation of Cu,Zn-SOD to the IMS was unique to macrophages and dependent on functional mitochondrial respiration and the presence of at least one of the conserved cysteines required for disulfide bond formation. These conserved cysteine residues were also necessary for enzyme activation and H(2)O(2) generation. Cu,Zn-SOD-mediated H(2)O(2) generation was inhibited by knockdown of the iron-sulfur protein, Rieske, in complex III. The role of Cu,Zn-SOD was biologically relevant in that Cu,Zn-SOD(-/-) mice generated significantly less H(2)O(2) and had less oxidant stress in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and lung parenchyma. Furthermore, Cu,Zn-SOD(-/-) mice did not develop pulmonary fibrosis, and knockdown of Cu,Zn-SOD in monocytes attenuated collagen I deposition by lung fibroblasts. Our findings demonstrate a novel mechanism for the pathogenesis of pulmonary fibrosis where the antioxidant enzyme Cu,Zn-SOD translocates to the mitochondrial IMS to increase H(2)O(2) generation in alveolar macrophages.     

超氧化物歧化酶活性中心中铜离子的氧化还原研究

用电子顺磁共振EPR技术研究铜锌超氧化物歧化酶(Cu·Zn-SOD)与底物(O_2~(·-)反应达到平衡态时铜离子的EPR波谱表明,在平衡态时的铜离子处于还原态。用还原剂H_2O_2、NaBH_4处理Cu·Zn-SOD后,酶活力变化不同,电泳行为也不同。用NaBH_4处理SOD其活性及电泳行为接近天然酶,但经H_2O_2还原后的酶活性损失严重,电泳后出现多条色带。     

Direct evidence for inhibition of free radical formation from Cu(I) and hydrogen peroxide by glutathione and other potential ligands using the EPR spin-trapping technique.

Copper-induced oxidative damage is generally attributed to the formation of the highly reactive hydroxyl radical by a mechanism analogous to the Haber-Weiss cycle for Fe(II) and H2O2. In the present work, the reaction between the Cu(I) ion and H2O2 is studied using the EPR spin-trapping technique. The hydroxyl radical adduct was observed when Cu(I), dissolved in acetonitrile under N2, was added to pH 7.4 phosphate buffer containing 100 mM 5,5-dimethyl-1-pyrroline N-oxide (DMPO). Formation of the hydroxyl radical was dependent on the presence of O2 and subsequent formation of H2O2. The kscav/kDMPO ratios obtained were below those expected for a mechanism involving free hydroxyl radical and reflect the interference of nucleophilic addition of H2O to DMPO to form the DMPO/.OH adduct in the presence of nonchelated copper ion. Addition of ethanol or dimethyl sulfoxide to the reaction suggests that a high-valent metal intermediate, possibly Cu(III), was also formed. Spin trapping of hydroxyl radical was almost completely inhibited upon addition of Cu(I) to a solution of either nitrilotriacetate or histidine, even though the copper was fully oxidized to Cu(II) and H2O2 was formed. Bathocuproinedisulfonate, thiourea, and reduced glutathione all stabilized the Cu(I) ion toward oxidation by O2. Upon addition of H2O2, the Cu(I) in all three complexes was oxidized to varying degrees; however, only the thiourea complex was fully oxidized within 2 min of reaction and produced detectable hydroxyl radicals. No radicals were detected from the bathocuproinedisulfonate or glutathione complexes. Overall, these results suggest that the deleterious effects of copper ions in vivo are diminished by biochemical chelators, especially glutathione, which probably has a major role in moderating the toxicological effects of copper.     

Copper,zinc superoxide dismutase and H2O2. Effects of bicarbonate on inactivation and oxidations of NADPH and urate,and on consumption of H2O2

Copper,zinc superoxide dismutase (Cu,Zn-SOD) catalyzes the HCO(3)(-)-dependent oxidation of diverse substrates. The mechanism of these oxidations involves the generation of a strong oxidant, derived from H(2)O(2), at the active site copper. This bound oxidant then oxidizes HCO(3)(-) to a strong and diffusible oxidant, presumably the carbonate anion radical that leaves the active site and then oxidizes the diverse substrates. Cu,Zn-SOD is also subject to inactivation by H(2)O(2). It is now demonstrated that the rates of HCO(3)(-)-dependent oxidations of NADPH and urate exceed the rate of inactivation of the enzyme by approximately 100-fold. Cu,Zn-SOD is also seen to catalyze a HCO(3)(-)-dependent consumption of the H(2)O(2) and that HCO(3)(-) does not protect Cu,Zn-SOD against inactivation by H(2)O(2). A scheme of reactions is offered in explanation of these observations.     

Spin-trapping studies of hydroxyl radical production involved in lipid peroxidation.

Evidence presented in this report suggests that the hydroxyl radical (OH.), which is generated from liver microsomes is an initiator of NADPH-dependent lipid peroxidation. The conclusions are based on the following observations: 1) hydroxyl radical production in liver microsomes as measured by esr spin-trapping correlates with the extent of NADPH induced microsomal lipid peroxidation as measured by malondialdehyde formation; 2) peroxidative degradation of arachidonic acid in a model OH · generating system, namely, the Fenton reaction takes place readily and is inhibited by thiourea, a potent OH · scavenger, indicating that the hydroxyl radical is capable of initiating lipid peroxidation; 3) trapping of the hydroxyl radical by the spin trap, 5,5-dimethyl-1-pyrroline-1-oxide prevents lipid peroxidation in liver microsomes during NADPH oxidation, and in the model system in the presence of linolenic acid. The possibility that cytochrome P-450 reductase is involved in NADPH-dependent lipid peroxidation is discussed. The optimal pH for the production of the hydroxyl radical in liver microsomes is 7.2. The generation of the hydroxyl radical is correlated with the amount of microsomal protein, possibly NADPH cytochrome P-450 reductase. A critical concentration of EDTA (5 × 10^?5m) is required for maximal production of the hydroxyl radical in microsomal lipid peroxidation during NADPH oxidation. High concentrations of Fe²⁺-EDTA complex equimolar in iron and chelator do not inhibit the production of the hydroxyl radical. The production of the hydroxyl radical in liver microsomes is also promoted by high salt concentrations. Evidence is also presented that OH radical production in microsomes during induced lipid peroxidation occurs primarily via the classic Fenton reaction.