Ferrous ion-mediated cytochrome P-450 degradation and lipid peroxidation in adrenal cortex mitochondria

Long range physical cell-to-cell signalling via mitochondria inside membrane nanotubes: a hypothesis

Coordinated interaction of single cells by cell-to-cell communication (signalling) enables complex behaviour necessary for the functioning of multicellular organisms. A quite newly discovered cell-to-cell signalling mechanism relies on nanotubular cell-co-cell connections, termed "membrane nanotubes" (MNTs). The present paper presents the hypothesis that mitochondria inside MNTs can form a connected structure (mitochondrial network) which enables the exchange of energy and signals between cells. It is proposed that two modes of energy and signal transmission may occur: electrical/electrochemical and electromagnetic (optical). Experimental work supporting the hypothesis is reviewed, and suggestions for future research regarding the discussed topic are given.

Changes in mitochondrial and microsomal lipid peroxidation and fatty acid profiles in adrenal glands, testes, and livers from alpha-tocopherol-deficient rats

Studies were done to evaluate the effects of alpha-tocopherol deficiency in rats on the fatty acid composition and sensitivity to lipid peroxidation (LP) of mitochondria and microsomes from adrenal glands, testes, and livers. In control (alpha-tocopherol-sufficient) animals, adrenal concentrations of alpha-tocopherol were approximately 10 times greater than those in livers and testes. Dietary deficiency of alpha-tocopherol for 8 weeks decreased adrenal and hepatic concentrations by 80-90% and testicular concentrations by approximately 60-70%. Incubation of testicular or hepatic mitochondria and microsomes from control rats with FeSO(4) (1.0 mM) caused a time-dependent stimulation of LP as indicated by the formation of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS); the rate of TBARS production increased in preparations from alpha-tocopherol-deficient animals. TBARS formation was not demonstrable in adrenal mitochondria or microsomes from alpha-tocopherol sufficient rats, but reached high levels in alpha-tocopherol-deficient preparations. The fatty acid composition of mitochondria and microsomes was tissue-dependent. In particular, arachidonic acid comprised approximately 40% of the total fatty acids in adrenal membranes, but only 20-25% in testes and livers. alpha-Tocopherol deficiency increased oleic acid concentrations in adrenal and hepatic mitochondria and microsomes but not in testes. In all three tissues, linoleic acid concentrations decreased by approximately 50%, but arachidonic acid levels were unaffected by alpha-tocopherol deficiency. The results indicate a close relationship between tissue sensitivity to LP in vitro and alpha-tocopherol concentrations. Nonetheless, any oxidative stress in vivo caused by alpha-tocopherol deficiency seems to spare arachidonic acid in mitochondria and microsomes but decreases linoleic acid concentrations. It is possible that because of the important physiological functions of arachidonic acid, metabolic adaptations serve to maintain membrane content during periods of oxidative stress.

Species differences in adrenal lipid peroxidation: role of alpha-tocopherol

Previous reports have noted high levels of lipid peroxidation (LP) in vitro in a variety of adrenocortical preparations. However, we have observed that susceptibility to adrenal LP seems to vary considerably from species to species. The current study was done to confirm these apparent species differences in adrenal LP in vitro and to determine if they were attributable to differences in alpha-tocopherol content. Incubation of mitochondrial or microsomal preparations from guinea pig or rabbit adrenal glands with ferrous ion (Fe2+) caused a time-dependent increase in the formation of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) accompanied by depletion of alpha-tocopherol. By contrast, incubation of adrenal mitochondria or microsomes from rats or monkeys with Fe2+ had little or no detectable effect on TBARS and basal adrenal alpha-tocopherol levels were five to ten-fold greater than those in guinea pigs or rabbits. In addition, there was little change in alpha-tocopherol concentrations during incubation of rat or monkey adrenal tissue. Dietary alpha-tocopherol deficiency in rats reduced adrenal alpha-tocopherol to concentrations approximating those in guinea pigs. Incubation with Fe2+ induced high levels of TBARS in adrenal mitochondria and microsomes from the alpha-tocopherol deficient rats. Conversely, dietary alpha-tocopherol supplementation in rabbits increased adrenal alpha-tocopherol levels and prevented Fe2+ induced TBARS formation in mitochondria and microsomes. The results indicate that there are large species differences in adrenal susceptibility to LP in vitro and that these differences are at least partly attributable to species differences in adrenal alpha-tocopherol concentrations.

The induction of lipid peroxidation by E. coli lipopolysaccharide on rat hepatocytes as an important factor in the etiology of endotoxic liver damage

Oxygen-derived radicals have been suggested to produce tissue injury during endotoxic shock by initiating lipid peroxidation. In order to investigate the induction of lipid peroxidation by Escherichia coli 0111:B4 lipopolysaccharide (LPS) on hepatocytes, malondialdehyde (MDA) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity have been evaluated in vivo and in vitro using two experimental models: rat liver after the establishment of endotoxic reversible shock, and cultured hepatocytes after treatment with LPS. Liver MDA levels were increased in vivo during the acute-phase of endotoxic shock, decreasing below control values in the recovery phase. An inverse pattern was obtained when SOD activity was measured, consistent with an active system of cellular protection. Similar results were obtained in vitro after treatment of cultured hepatocytes with LPS (50 micrograms/ml), thus indicating that a direct LPS cytotoxic effect on hepatocytes exits during the endotoxic process. The direct LPS interaction induced alterations in Ca2+ permeability of hepatocyte plasma membrane as detected by flow cytometry using the fluorescent probe Indo-1.

Diphenylamine: an unusual antioxidant

Diphenylamine (DPA) has been utilized as an antioxidant in studies of lipid peroxidation. Using peroxidizing red blood cell (RBC) membranes, we find that DPA actually promotes lipid hydroperoxide (LOOH) formation and oxygen consumption while markedly inhibiting generation of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS). As a consequence, DPA increases the prelytic RBC K leak that results from peroxidative stress and potentiates a known nonprelytic but LOOH-dependent K leak pathway in RBC. In contrast, DPA abolishes formation of cyclooxygenase-dependent conversion products of arachidonate. DPA is almost as efficient as BHT in inhibiting peroxyl radical mediated destruction of phycoerythrin fluorescence. Study of DPA analogues shows that the antioxidant effect of DPA lies in its secondary amine function. Presumably, this results in intermediate formation of a nitrogen-based radical so that redox cycling of this aromatic amine stimulates further peroxidation. This dramatically illustrates the hazard of relying solely on TBARS measurements for assessment of peroxidation.

The influence of NADPH-dependent lipid peroxidation on the progesterone biosynthesis in human placental mitochondria

In an in vitro system consisting of human term placental mitochondria and an NADPH-generating system plus Fe2+, significant lipid peroxidation was observed along with a concomitant inhibition of progesterone biosynthesis. This inhibition could be markedly blocked by Mn2+, superoxide dismutase and dimethylfuran, inhibitors of NADPH-dependent lipid peroxidation. In addition, it has been found that malondialdehyde formation is accompanied by a corresponding decrease in placental mitochondrial cytochrome P-450 content. Inhibitors of lipid peroxidation also prevent the loss of cytochrome P-450, further demonstrating a direct relationship between NADPH-dependent lipid peroxidation and degradation of cytochrome P-450 in cell-free systems. These measurements provide the first evidence that the inhibition of progesterone biosynthesis by a NADPH-dependent lipid peroxidation in placental mitochondria is a consequence of cytochrome P-450 degradation due to lipid peroxidation.

Oxy-radical metabolism and control of tumour growth

1. The content of oxy-radical scavenging enzymes is decreased in Morris hepatomas in a fashion which is inversely related with the growth rate of the tumour. 2. Hepatoma microsomal membranes are more resistant than normal rat liver membranes to lipid peroxidation induced in vitro by organic hydroperoxides or superoxide radicals. 3. In tumour membranes the most relevant rate-limiting factor of peroxidation is the low availability of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA). Besides lipids, some proteins (particularly cytochrome P-450) act as controlling factors of peroxidation. 4. Tumour microsomes are more ordered and less fluid than liver microsomes. The latter, exposed to superoxide radical attack, exhibit chemical (fatty acid composition) and physical (molecular order) properties that are similar to those of transformed cell membranes. 5. These data indicate an aberration in the oxy-radical metabolism of cancer cells, and a sequence of events is hypothesized that could drive the transformed cell towards uncontrolled proliferation.

Suppression of growth in a leukemic T cell line by n-3 and n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids

Proliferation in a leukemic T cell line (Jurkat) was suppressed in a dose dependent manner by n-6 and n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) added to the culture medium. At high concentrations, PUFA have a cytotoxic effect on Jurkat cells. The inhibitory effect of the PUFA was not due to production of prostaglandins, and lipid peroxidation was only partly responsible. In addition to production of peroxides and aldehydes, lipid peroxidation also reduced the plasmalogen levels in these cells. The antioxidant alpha-tocopherol blocked lipid peroxidation and restored the plasmalogen levels to normal. alpha-Tocopherol did not totally restore cell proliferation although the MDA-like products in these cultures (supplemented with PUFA) were reduced to control level. Cultures supplemented with n-6 PUFA seemed to respond better to alpha-tocopherol than n-3 PUFA. This suggests that n-6 PUFA may exert their growth inhibitory effect predominantly via lipid peroxidation while different mechanisms might be operating for the n-3 PUFA.

alpha-Tocopherol depletion eliminates the regional differences in adrenal mitochondrial lipid peroxidation

Prior studies demonstrated far greater amounts of lipid peroxidation (LP) in mitochondria from the zona reticularis (inner zone) of the guinea pig adrenal cortex than in mitochondria from the outer zone (zona fasciculata + zona glomerulosa) of the gland. alpha-Tocopherol concentrations, by contrast, were greater in the outer zone. To determine if the differences in alpha-tocopherol content were responsible for the regional differences in LP, the effects of alpha-tocopherol deficiency on mitochondrial LP were investigated. Tocopherol deficiency had relatively little effect on ferrous ion- or ascorbic acid-induced LP in inner zone mitochondria. However, depletion of adrenal tocopherol substantially increased outer zone LP, eliminating the differences between the two zones. Fatty acid analyses revealed that mitochondria from tocopherol-deficient animals contained significantly less linoleic acid (C18:2) and arachidonic acid (C20:4) than those from controls, suggesting peroxidative losses in vivo. In mitochondria from control animals, subphysiological concentrations of ascorbic acid stimulated LP, but physiological levels did not. However, in tocopherol-depleted mitochondria, even physiological concentrations of ascorbic acid stimulated LP. The results indicate that the intra-adrenal distribution of alpha-tocopherol is responsible for the regional differences in mitochondrial LP and that alpha-tocopherol is a major determinant of ascorbic acid actions on adrenal LP. The data also provide evidence of adrenal LP in vivo in tocopherol-deficient animals.

Modulation of the effects of ascorbic acid on lipid peroxidation by tocopherol in adrenocortical mitochondria

Studies were done to evaluate the role of alpha-tocopherol in modulating the effects of ascorbic acid (AA) on lipid peroxidation (LP) by adrenocortical mitochondria. In control mitochondria from the inner (zona reticularis) or outer (zona fasciculata plus zona glomerulosa) zones of the guinea pig adrenal cortex, subphysiological concentrations of AA stimulated LP but higher levels had little or no effect. However, after depletion of adrenal tocopherol, even physiological concentrations of AA exerted prooxidant effects, stimulating LP. To assess the antioxidant potency of AA, its effects to inhibit ferrous ion (Fe2+)-induced LP were determined. Mitochondria from the outer zone contained far more alpha-tocopherol than those from the inner zone and were more sensitive to the antioxidant effects of AA. After tocopherol depletion, the antioxidant potency of AA in outer zone mitochondria decreased, but there was little change in the inner zone. The results indicate that the actions of AA are determined in part by mitochondrial tocopherol content, and, as a result, vary in the different zones of the adrenal cortex.

Steroid and xenobiotic effects on the adrenal cortex: mediation by oxidative and other mechanisms

Because steroids reach high concentrations within the adrenal cortex, effects of the direct interaction of steroids and cytochrome P450 enzymes are possible and may involve oxidative damage. Steroid pseudosubstrate effects studied in cultured adrenocortical cells show that these effects are probably not mediated by steroid receptors. Release of oxidants during pseudosubstrate interaction with cytochrome P450s may be responsible for loss of enzymatic activity observed; enzyme activity can be protected by cytochrome P450 inhibitors, antioxidants, and lowered oxygen concentration. There may be pathological effects of pseudosubstrates in the adrenal cortex. Cytochrome P450/pseudosubstrate effects could be involved in the aging and death of adrenocortical cells in vivo, and necrosis of the adrenal cortex due to excessive ACTH stimulation or due to the action of adrenolytic chemicals could result from damage by oxygen radicals originating from cytochrome P450s. The possible mechanism of damage to the adrenal cortex by the xenobiotics dimethylbenzanthracene, TCDD, 3-methylcholanthrene, and o', p'-DDD are reviewed.

Relationship between mitochondrial lipid peroxidation and alpha-tocopherol levels in the guinea-pig adrenal cortex

Lipid peroxidation in mitochondria from the functionally distinct inner (zona reticularis) and outer (zona fasciculata + zona glomerulosa) zones of the guinea-pig adrenal cortex was investigated. Ferrous ion (Fe2+)-induced lipid peroxidation was far greater in inner than outer zone mitochondria. Ascorbic acid similarly initiated lipid peroxidation to a greater extent in inner zone mitochondrial preparations. Differences in the unsaturated fatty acid content of inner and outer zone mitochondria could not account for the regional differences in lipid peroxidation. Total fatty acid concentrations were greater in the outer than in the inner zone, and the relative amounts of each fatty acid were similar in the two zones. However, mitochondrial concentrations of alpha-tocopherol, an antioxidant known to inhibit lipid peroxidation, were approx. 5-times greater in the outer than inner zone. The results demonstrate that there are regional differences in mitochondrial lipid peroxidation in the adrenal cortex which may be attributable to differences in alpha-tocopherol content. Thus, alpha-tocopherol may serve to protect outer zone mitochondrial enzymes from the consequences of lipid peroxidation and thereby contribute to some of the functional differences between the zones of the adrenal cortex.

Lipid peroxidation in tumour cells

Several studies point to the existence of a disturbance in the metabolism of the reactive species of oxygen in cancer cells. Based on this evidence, and in particular on a characteristic behaviour of tumour membrane lipids, namely their growth-related resistance to oxy-radical-induced peroxidation, a sequence of events is outlined that could hypothetically drive the transformed cell to an uncontrolled proliferation. The proposed scheme is also conceived as a framework for further in vivo investigations of the complex biological phenomena of tumour cell growth and invasion in more integrated and kinetically controlled cellular systems.

Regional differences in microsomal lipid peroxidation and antioxidant levels in the guinea pig adrenal cortex

Lipid peroxidation (LP) and antioxidant levels were studied in the chromatically distinct inner (zona reticularis) and outer (zona fasciculata + zona glomerulosa) zones of the guinea pig adrenal cortex. Ferrous ion (Fe2+) produced a concentration-dependent (10(-5) to 10(-3) M) stimulation of microsomal LP in both zones, but LP, as estimated by malonaldehyde production, was far greater in the inner zone. Although cytosolic ascorbic acid content was similar in the two zones, microsomal tocopherol levels were approx 4 times greater in the outer than inner zone. Subphysiological concentrations of ascorbic acid, like Fe2+, initiated LP to a greater extent in inner than outer zone microsomes; optimal stimulation of LP by ascorbic acid occurred at concentrations of 100-200 microM in both zones. Physiological concentrations of ascorbic acid (1-5 mM), by contrast, did not initiate LP and, in fact, markedly inhibited Fe2+-induced LP in both inner and outer zone microsomal preparations. Outer zone microsomes were more sensitive to the antioxidant effects of ascorbic acid than were inner zone preparations. Addition of alpha-tocopherol to inner zone microsomal suspensions inhibited Fe2+-induced LP. The results indicate that there are regional differences in adrenocortical LP which may be caused by differences in tocopherol content. alpha-Tocopherol may serve important antioxidant functions within the adrenal cortex, thereby contributing to the functional zonation of the gland.

The mechanism of cumene hydroperoxide-dependent lipid peroxidation: the function of cytochrome P-450

The addition of limiting amounts of cumene hydroperoxide to rat liver microsomes resulted in the rapid uptake of molecular oxygen, the formation of thiobarbituric acid reactive products, and the loss of hydroperoxide. The stoichiometry of lipid peroxidation and the yields of 2-phenyl-2-propanol (a major product of the reaction) and acetophenone (a minor product) observed with liver microsomes prepared from untreated rats is greater than that seen with liver microsomes from ciprofibrate-treated rats which, in turn, is greater than that observed with liver microsomes from phenobarbital-treated rats. The Km's and Vmax's of oxygen uptake varied with the type of rat liver microsomes used. Cytochrome P-450 substrates and inhibitors decreased the extents and initial rates of oxygen uptake and thiobarbituric acid reactive product formation. A mechanism is proposed involving the cytochrome P-450-catalyzed homolytic cleavage of the cumene hydroperoxide O-O bond to give the cumyloxyl radical. It is proposed that this oxygen-centered radical abstracts a hydrogen atom from an unsaturated fatty acid associated with a lipid (initiating lipid peroxidation) to give 2-phenyl-2-propanol or that the radical undergoes beta-scission to produce acetophenone and a methyl radical.

Effect of Fe2+ -induced lipid peroxidation upon microsomal steroidogenic enzyme activities of porcine adrenal cortex

When porcine adrenocortical microsomes were treated with Fe2+, enhanced production of malondialdehyde was observed as a result of membrane lipid peroxidation. By treatment of the microsomes with Fe2+, the activity of delta 5-3 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase coupled with delta 5-delta 4 isomerase, concentration of cytochrome P-450 and the activity of the cytochrome-involving enzyme systems such as 17 alpha- and 21-hydroxylases were significantly reduced. 17 alpha-Hydroxylase activity was more effectively decreased by Fe2+ than that of 21-hydroxylase. On the other hand, activity of NADH- and NADPH-cytochrome c reductases remained unchanged or somewhat increased. Both the induction of lipid peroxidation and the decrease of the enzyme activities were prevented by alpha-tocopherol and N,N' -diphenyl-rho-phenylenediamine.

Mode of action of butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) and other phenols in preventing loss of 11 beta-hydroxylase activity in cultured bovine adrenocortical cells

When cultured bovine adrenocortical cells are incubated with cortisol, or other steroids that are pseudosubstrates for 11 beta-hydroxylase (cytochrome P-45011 beta), the activity of the enzyme decreases. In previous experiments, three substances were shown to protect 11 beta-hydroxylase against loss of enzymatic activity in the presence of pseudosubstrates:BHA (butylated hydroxyanisole,2(3)-tert-butyl-4-methoxyphenol), dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), and metyrapone. The present experiments examine the protective effects of several phenolic analogs of BHA in this system, and compare their activities to that of DMSO and metyrapone. When a variety of analogs of BHA were tested for their abilities to prevent loss of 11 beta-hydroxylase activity in cultured adrenocortical cells incubated with 50 microM cortisol for 24 hr, phenol itself was found to be about equipotent with BHA. Addition of methyl, methoxy and benzyl groups to phenol did not diminish protective activity of the compound, but addition of one and particularly two tert-butyl groups greatly diminished activity. Thus, BHT(2,6-di-t-butyl-4-methylphenol) was inactive, in contrast to BHA. The hydroxy group of phenol was essential since benzene and fluorobenzene were inactive. Compounds with multiple hydroxyl groups were not as active as phenol itself, with the exception of catechol. No products of phenol formed during incubations of cells with cortisol were detected by high performance liquid chromatography. Estimated EC50 values for protection of 11 beta-hydroxylase by phenols were about 100 microM, whereas the EC50 values for dimethyl sulfoxide and metyrapone were 10 mM and 300 nM respectively. On a semilogarithmic plot, the dose-response curves for all these compounds were approximately parallel. To aid in determining the mechanism of protection of 11 beta-hydroxylase, phenols and DMSO were tested for prevention of loss of 11 beta-hydroxylase activity at three different oxygen concentrations (2, 5, and 19% O2). Lowering the oxygen concentration itself resulted in a small diminution of the loss of 11 beta-hydroxylase. Phenols and dimethyl sulfoxide were more effective at low oxygen and less effective in air. Because the cytochrome P-450 inhibitor metyrapone was found previously to be very effective in protecting 11 beta-hydroxylase against loss of activity, we examined whether phenols and dimethyl sulfoxide may act by directly inhibiting 11 beta-hydroxylase activity. In a 1-hr incubation with cells, BHA, phenol, and dimethyl sulfoxide all inhibited 11 beta-hydroxylase, but at concentrations that ranged from 4- to greater than 100-fold higher than those required for protection.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Effects of lipid peroxidation on adrenal microsomal monooxygenases

Incubation of guinea pig adrenal microsomes with 10(-6) M ferrous (Fe2+) ion and adrenal cytosol initiated high levels of lipid peroxidation as measured by the production of malonaldehyde. Cytosol or Fe2+ alone had little effect on microsomal malonaldehyde formation. When microsomes were incubated in the presence of Fe2+ and cytosol, malonaldehyde levels continued to increase for at least 60 min. Accompanying the lipid peroxidation was a decline in adrenal microsomal monooxygenase activities. The rates of metabolism of xenobiotics (benzphetamine demethylase, benzo[a]pyrene hydroxylase) as well as steroids (21-hydroxylation) decreased as malonaldehyde levels increased. In addition, cytochrome P-450 levels, NADPH- and NADH-cytochrome c reductase activities, and substrate interactions with cytochrome(s) P-450 decreased as lipid peroxidation progressed. Inhibition of lipid peroxidation by increasing microsomal protein concentrations during the incubation period prevented the changes in microsomal metabolism. Malonaldehyde had no direct effects on adrenal microsomal enzyme activities. The results indicate that lipid peroxidation may have significant effects on adrenocortical function, diminishing the capacity for both xenobiotic and steroid metabolism.

Effect of paraquat on cytochrome P-450-dependent lipid peroxidation in bovine adrenal cortex mitochondria

We have investigated the effect of paraquat (methyl viologen) on lipid peroxidation in bovine adrenal cortex mitochondria. Incubation of a buffered aerobic mixture of mitochondria in the presence of Fe2+ or NADPH resulted in the formation of lipid peroxides whose accumulation could be followed at 532 nm as malondialdehyde. Fe2+ stimulates lipid peroxidation in normal mitochondria and those in which enzymes have been inactivated with heat. In contrast, NADPH has a stimulatory effect only in normal mitochondria, but not in heat-treated mitochondria. These results indicate that NADPH-dependent lipid peroxidation is an enzymatic process. Paraquat strongly inhibits this enzymatic lipid peroxidation, but has no effect on the non-enzymatic Fe2+-dependent process. The chemiluminescence that accompanies the NADPH-dependent lipid peroxidation is also markedly decreased in the presence of paraquat. Superoxide dismutase, which removes superoxide anion efficiently, does not inhibit malondialdehyde production. The mechanism of the inhibition of the lipid peroxidation by paraquat has been examined. Paraquat has no effect on NADPH-2,6-dichlorophenolindophenol reductase and on NADPH-cytochrome c reductase activities in bovine adrenal cortex mitochondria. However, paraquat strongly inhibits the NADPH-dependent reduction of cytochrome P-450. These results suggest that the inhibitory effect of paraquat on NADPH-dependent lipid peroxidation in adrenal cortex mitochondria is due to a decrease in the level of reduced cytochrome P-450 probably by diverting electrons from cytochrome P-450. Cytochrome c, which can compete with P-450 for available electrons from adrenodoxin, like paraquat had an inhibitory effect on NADPH-dependent lipid peroxidation. Lipid peroxidation was also strongly inhibited by steroid hydroxylase inhibitors, e.g., amphenone B, aminoglutethimide and metyrapone.

Lipid peroxidation and haemoglobin degradation in red blood cells exposed to t-butyl hydroperoxide. The relative roles of haem- and glutathione-dependent decomposition of t-butyl hydroperoxide and membrane lipid hydroperoxides in lipid peroxidation and haemolysis

Red cells exposed to t-butyl hydroperoxide undergo lipid peroxidation, haemoglobin degradation and hexose monophosphate-shunt stimulation. By using the lipid-soluble antioxidant 2,6-di-t-butyl-p-cresol, the relative contributions of t-butyl hydroperoxide and membrane lipid hydroperoxides to oxidative haemoglobin changes and hexose monophosphate-shunt stimulation were determined. About 90% of the haemoglobin changes and all of the hexose monophosphate-shunt stimulation were caused by t-butyl hydroperoxide. The remainder of the haemoglobin changes appeared to be due to reactions between haemoglobin and lipid hydroperoxides generated during membrane peroxidation. After exposure of red cells to t-butyl hydroperoxide, no lipid hydroperoxides were detected iodimetrically, whether or not glucose was present in the incubation. Concentrations of 2,6-di-t-butyl-p-cresol, which almost totally suppressed lipid peroxidation, significantly inhibited haemoglobin binding to the membrane but had no significant effect on hexose monophosphate shunt stimulation, suggesting that lipid hydroperoxides had been decomposed by a reaction with haem or haem-protein and not enzymically via glutathione peroxidase. The mechanisms of lipid peroxidation and haemoglobin oxidation and the protective role of glucose were also investigated. In time-course studies of red cells containing oxyhaemoglobin, methaemoglobin or carbonmono-oxyhaemoglobin incubated without glucose and exposed to t-butyl hydroperoxide, haemoglobin oxidation paralleled both lipid peroxidation and t-butyl hydroperoxide consumption. Lipid peroxidation ceased when all t-butyl hydroperoxide was consumed, indicating that it was not autocatalytic and was driven by initiation events followed by rapid propagation and termination of chain reactions and rapid non-enzymic decomposition of lipid hydroperoxides. Carbonmono-oxyhaemoglobin and oxyhaemoglobin were good promoters of peroxidation, whereas methaemoglobin relatively spared the membrane from peroxidation. The protective influence of glucose metabolism on the time course of t-butyl hydroperoxide-induced changes was greatest in carbonmono-oxyhaemoglobin-containing red cells followed in order by oxyhaemoglobin- and methaemoglobin-containing red cells. This is the reverse order of the reactivity of the hydroperoxide with haemoglobin, which is greatest with methaemoglobin. In studies exposing red cells to a wide range of t-butyl hydroperoxide concentrations, haemoglobin oxidation and lipid peroxidation did not occur until the cellular glutathione had been oxidized. The amount of lipid peroxidation per increment in added t-butyl hydroperoxide was greatest in red cells containing carbonmono-oxyhaemoglobin, followed in order by oxyhaemoglobin and methaemoglobin. Red cells containing oxyhaemoglobin and carbonmono-oxyhaemoglobin and exposed to increasing concentrations of t-butyl hydroperoxide became increasingly resistant to lipid peroxidation as methaemoglobin accumulated, supporting a relatively protective role for methaemoglobin. In the presence of glucose, higher levels of t-butyl hydroperoxide were required to induce lipid peroxidation and haemoglobin oxidation compared with incubations without glucose. Carbonmono-oxyhaemoglobin-containing red cells exposed to the highest levels of t-butyl hydroperoxide underwent haemolysis after a critical level of lipid peroxidation was reached. Inhibition of lipid peroxidation by 2,6-di-t-butyl-p-cresol below this critical level prevented haemolysis. Oxidative membrane damage appeared to be a more important determinant of haemolysis in vitro than haemoglobin degradation. The effects of various antioxidants and free-radical scavengers on lipid peroxidation in red cells or in ghosts plus methaemoglobin exposed to t-butyl hydroperoxide suggested that red-cell haemoglobin decomposed the hydroperoxide by a homolytic scission mechanism to t-butoxyl radicals.

The relationship between NADPH-dependent lipid peroxidation and degradation of cytochrome P-450 in adrenal cortex mitochondria

The relationship between NADPH-dependent lipid peroxidation and the degradation of cytochrome P-450 has been studied in bovine adrenal cortex mitochondria. Malondialdehyde formation is accompanied by a corresponding decrease in total cytochrome P-450 content. Inhibitors of lipid peroxidation also prevent the loss of cytochrome P-450, further demonstrating a direct relationship between NADPH-dependent lipid peroxidation and degradation of P-450. To differentiate between cytochrome P-450(11)beta and P-450scc, steroid-induced difference spectra were used to evaluate P-450 degradation. These measurements provide the first evidence that both P-450's are degraded during NADPH-dependent lipid peroxidation with P-450(11)beta being much more susceptible to this process.

Oxygen- or organic hydroperoxide-induced chemiluminescence of brain and liver homogenates

Oxygenation of anaerobically isolated brain and liver homogenates is associated with chemiluminescence and formation of lipid hydroperoxides, the latter determined by the thiobarbituric acid assay. Light emission and formation of malonaldehyde are 20-fold higher in the brain than in liver; chemiluminescence of both decays when accumulation of malonaldehyde ceases. Exogenous organic peroxides, such as t-butyl hydroperoxide, inhibit the light-emission response to oxygenation by brain homogenate, whereas they enhance that of liver homogenate. t-Butyl hydroperoxide-induced photoemission of liver homogenate shows a polyphasic kinetic pattern that is O2-dependent. The spectral analysis of chemiluminescence arising from brain and liver homogenates on oxygenation shows a spectrum with five emission bands at 420-450, 475-485, 510-540, 560-580 and 625-640 nm. These bands are subjected to intensity changes or shifts of the wavelength whenever t-butyl hydroperoxide is present, either inhibiting or stimulating light emission. The blue-band chemiluminescence, around 435 nm, is possibly due to the weak light emission arising from excited carbonyl compounds [Lloyd (1965) J. Chem. Soc. Faraday Trans. 61, 2182-2193; Vassil'ev (1965) Opt. Spectrosc. (USSR) 18, 131-135], whereas the presence of other bands suggests generation of singlet molecular oxygen either in the process triggered on oxygenation (lipid oxygenation) or after supplementation with organic hydroperoxides. We offer several explanations for the spectral analysis presented here.

Inhibition of lipid peroxidation by calcium ions and their protection of steroid hydroxylase activity from peroxidative damage

Lipid peroxidation of adrenocortical mitochondria and microsomes was greatly stimulated by addition of 1.0 mM or less ferric ions. In the presence of NADPH-yielding system, the formation of corticosterone from endogeneous cholesterol and exogeneous deoxycorticosterone was inhibited as the concentrations of iron increased. Of interest is the fact that 0.5 mM ferric ion-mediated lipid peroxidation was completely abroagated upon addition of 2 mM calcium ions. Accordingly, protected from the peroxidative damage.

Cytochrome P-450 from mitochondria of bovine adrenal cortex: comparison of cholesterol side-chain cleavage P-450 with steroid 11beta-hydroxylation P-450 and immunochemical cross-reactivity between adrenal mitochondrial and liver microsomal cytochromes P-450

Adrenocortical mitochondrial cytochrome P-450 specific to the cholesterol side-chain cleavage (desmolase) reaction differs from that for the 11beta-hydroxylation reaction of deoxycorticosterone. The former cytochrome appears to be more loosely bound to the inner membrane than the latter. Upon ageing at 0 degrees C or by aerobic treatment with ferrous ions, the desmolase P-450 was more stable than the 11beta-hydroxylase P-450. By utilizing artificial hydroxylating agents such as cumene hydroperoxide, H2O2, and sodium periodate, the hydroxylation reaction of deoxycorticosterone to corticosterone in the absence of NADPH was observed to a comparable extent with the reaction in the presence of adrenodoxin reductase, adrenodoxin and NADPH. However, the hydroxylation reaction of cholesterol to pregnenolone was not supported by these artificial agents. Immunochemical cross-reactivity of bovine adrenal desmolase P-450 with rabbit liver microsomal P-450LM4 was also investigated. We found a weak but significant cross-reactivity between the adrenal mitochondrial P-450 and liver microsomal P-450LM4, indicating to some extent a homology between adrenal and liver cytochromes P-450.