In vivo release of dopamine by perfusion of 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium ion in the striatum with a microdialysis technique

Increased susceptibility of G-protein coupled receptor 6 deficient mice to MPTP neurotoxicity

The G-protein coupled receptor 6 (GPR6) is a constitutive active orphan GPCR which is predominantly expressed in striatopallidal neurons. GPR6 deficiency in mice may alter the susceptibility of the nigrostriatal dopaminergic system relevant for Parkinson's disease (PD). Here, we investigated the effect of GPR6 deficiency in mice on neurotoxicity induced by the dopaminergic neurotoxin MPTP (1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine). GPR6^-/-- and control mice were treated with MPTP (4×12.5mg/kg, i.p., 2h intervals) and analyzed after seven days. Striatal dopamine (DA), 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC) and 4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenylacetic acid (HVA) concentrations were measured by HPLC. The number of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH)-positive neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc) was analyzed by immunohistochemistry. In a separate group of mice, MPP⁺ (500μM for 20min) was administered via an intrastriatal microdialysis probe to measure the MPP⁺-induced DA release. MPTP produced a significant reduction in striatal DA, DOPAC, HVA and an increase in dopamine turnover in control and GPR6^-/--mice. The MPTP-induced DA and HVA depletion was significantly more pronounced in GPR6^-/--mice. Consistently, the MPTP-induced reduction of TH-positive neurons in the SPpc was significantly higher in GPR6^-/--mice. Furthermore, the MPP⁺-induced dopamine release was significantly higher in GPR6^-/--mice. In conclusion, we showed that MPTP induces an enhanced dopaminergic neurodegeneration in GPR6^-/--mice indicated by alterations at the striatal and nigral level. We propose that GPR6 signaling is involved in the cascade of neurodegenerative events of the parkinsonian neurotoxin MPTP and suggest that pharmacological modulation of GPR6 might represent an entry point to further investigate GPR6 in PD.

G-protein coupled receptor 6 deficiency alters striatal dopamine and cAMP concentrations and reduces dyskinesia in a mouse model of Parkinson's disease

The orphan G-protein coupled receptor 6 (GPR6) is a constitutively active receptor which is positively coupled to the formation of cyclic adenosine-3',5'-monophosphate (cAMP). GPR6 is predominantly expressed in striatopallidal neurons. Here, we investigated neurochemical and behavioural effects of Gpr6 deficiency in mice. Gpr6 depletion decreased in vivo cAMP tissue concentrations (20%) in the striatum. An increase of striatal tissue dopamine concentrations (10%) was found in Gpr6(-/-) mice, whereas basal extracellular dopamine levels were not changed compared with Gpr6(+/+) mice, as shown by in vivo microdialysis. Western blot analyses revealed no alteration in the expression and subcellular localisation of the dopamine D2 receptor in the striatum of Gpr6(-/-) mice, and the number of tyrosine hydroxylase positive neurons in the substantia nigra was unchanged. DARPP-32 (dopamine and cAMP-regulated phosphoprotein of 32kDa) expression in the striatum of Gpr6(-/-) mice was not altered, however, a twofold increase in the phosphorylation of DARPP-32 at Thr34 was detected in Gpr6(-/-) compared with Gpr6(+/+) mice. Gpr6(-/-) mice showed higher locomotor activity in the open field, which persisted after treatment with the dopamine D2 receptor antagonist haloperidol. They also displayed reduced abnormal involuntary movements after apomorphine and quinpirole treatment in the mouse dyskinesia model of Parkinson's disease. In conclusion, the depletion of Gpr6 reduces cAMP concentrations in the striatum and alters the striatal dopaminergic system. Gpr6 deficiency causes an interesting behavioural phenotype in the form of enhanced motor activity combined with reduced abnormal involuntary movements. These findings could offer an opportunity for the treatment of Parkinson's disease beyond dopamine replacement.

KW-6002 protects from MPTP induced dopaminergic toxicity in the mouse

The risk of Parkinson's disease (PD) is associated with a lower intake of caffeine, a non-selective adenosine A2A antagonist. In agreement, genetic or pharmacological inactivation of adenosine A2A receptors in animal models of PD has demonstrated both symptomatic and neuroprotective effects. These findings and the lack of disease modifying therapies have led to intense research on adenosine A2A antagonists as a novel treatment for PD. In the present study the neuroprotective effect of the A2A receptor antagonist KW-6002 was investigated using different models of 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) in mice, which induced dopaminergic terminal and or dopaminergic cell loss and inflammation. Treatment with KW-6002 prevented the loss of dopaminergic striatal terminals and nigral cell bodies and inhibited the nigral microglia activation. Our results confirm previous findings that pharmacological inactivation of A2A receptors inhibits MPTP-induced dopaminergic damage at the level of striatum. In addition, we demonstrate for the first time that, after MPTP treatment in mice, an A2A antagonist is neuroprotective, and has anti-inflammatory effects, at the level of the substantia nigra. Thus, our data further support the use of A2A receptor antagonists as a novel neuroprotective therapy for PD.

Role of hydroxyl radical formation in neurotoxicity as revealed by in vivo free radical trapping

Reactive oxygen species have been implicated in dopaminergic toxicity caused by 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) and iron. Although MPTP produces a parkinsonian syndrome after its conversion to 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridine (MPP(+)) by type B monoamine oxidase (MAO-B) in the brain, the etiology of this disease remains obscure. MPP(+) is a highly potent dopaminbergic-releasing agents and dopamine (DA) autoxidation catalyzed by iron and oxidative stress may be involved in the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease. Neuromelanine synthesis from DA produce highly reactive free radicals. Although the controversy possible neurotoxin and/or neuroprotective roles of nitric oxide (NO) was discussed, NO contributes to oxidative injury to brain neurons in vivo. An environmental estrogen-like chemical also related to MPP(+)-induced *OH generation. This review describes actual mechanism of the free radicals formation by dialysis studies of in vivo free radical trapping in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative disorders, including in the Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer disease and traumatic brain injuries.

Methyl-4-phenylpyridinium (MPP(+))-evoked dopamine release from rat striatal slices: possible roles of voltage-dependent calcium channels and reverse dopamine transport

We examined the properties of voltage-dependent Ca(2+) channels (VDCCs) mediating 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium (MPP(+))-evoked [3H]DA release from rat striatal slices. In some cases, the Ca(2+)-independent efflux of neurotransmitters is mediated by the high-affinity neurotransmitter-uptake systems. To determine whether such a mechanism might be involved in MPP(+)-evoked [3H]DA release. MPP(+) (1,10 and 100 microM) evoked the release of [3H]DA from rat striatal slices in a concentration-dependent manner. In the absence of Ca(2+), MPP(+) (10 and 100 microM)-evoked [3H]DA release was significantly decreased to approximately 50% of control (a physiological concentration of Ca(2+)). In the presence of Ca(2+), nomifensine (0.1,1 and 10 microM) dose-dependently and significantly inhibited the MPP(+)-evoked release of [3H]DA. Nomifensine (1 and 10 microM) also dose-dependently and significantly inhibited the MPP(+)-evoked release of [3H]DA under Ca(2+)-free conditions. MPP(+)-evoked [3H]DA release was partly inhibited by nicardipine (1 and 10 microM), an L-type Ca(2+) channel blocker. On the other hand, the N-type Ca(2+) channel blocker omega-conotoxin-GVIA (omega-CTx-GVIA) (1 and 3 microM) did not affect this release. omega-agatoxin-IVA (omega-Aga-IVA) at low concentrations (0.1 microM), which are sufficient to block P-type Ca(2+) channels alone, also had no effect. On the other hand, MPP(+)-evoked [3H]DA release was significantly decreased by high concentrations of omega-Aga-IVA (0.3 microM) that would inhibit Q-type Ca(2+) channels. In addition, application of the Q-type Ca(2+) channel blocker omega-conotoxin-MVIIC (omega-CTx-MVIIC) (0.3 and 1 microM) also significantly inhibited MPP(+)-evoked [3H]DA release. These results suggest that MPP(+)-evoked [3H]DA release from rat striatal slices is largely mediated by Q-type Ca(2+) channels, and the Ca(2+)-independent component is mediated by reversal of the DA transport system.

[Parkinsonism induced by MPTP and free radical generation]

Oxygen free radical formation has been implicated in dopaminergic toxicity caused by 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) and iron. Although MPTP produces a parkinsonian syndrome after its conversion to 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridine (MPP+) by type B monoamine oxidase (MAO-B) in the brain, the etiology of this disease remains obscure. MPP+ is one of the most potent dopamine (DA)-releasing agents. Iron-catalyzed DA autoxidation and oxidative stress may be involved in the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease. If indeed the effect of MPP+ on hydroxyl radical (.OH) formation is due to DA release, reserpine-induced DA depletion may reduce MPP(+)-induced .OH formation. Imidapril, an angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor, can resist MPP(+)-induced .OH formation via suppression of release of DA by angiotensin. Histidine, a singlet oxygen (1O2) scavenger, protects MPP(+)-induced .OH formation. Fluvastatin, an inhibitor of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) oxidation, can resist MPP(+)-induced .OH formation. The inhibitory effect on the susceptibility of LDL oxidation can reduce .OH generation. These drugs may be applied as antiparkinsonian agents. Further clinical investigation is necessary in the future.

Neuroprotective role of estrogen upon methamphetamine and related neurotoxins within the nigrostriatal dopaminergic system

In this report we describe some of the data on the capacity for estrogen to function as a neuroprotectant of the nigrostriatal dopaminergic (NSDA) system. The data show that estrogen (E) can alter two different response characteristics to NSDA neurotoxins. The first being that striatal DA concentrations of ovariectomized rodents treated with E are consistently greater than non-E-treated animals in response to neurotoxins which produce degeneration of the NSDA system. The second being that E significantly reduces the amount of DA output upon initial exposure to the NSDA neurotoxin, 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridium ion (MPP+). At present, it is not known whether these two response characteristics are related. An intriguing possibility is that the E-dependent changes in initial DA output are related to the resultant neurotoxicity (attenuations in DA concentration reductions). So far our incipient findings do not seem to support this eventuality. However, additional testing on this topic is required. The present data suggest that one of the mechanisms by which E can exert these effects is through inhibition of DAT activity. This conclusion results from data which show that E produces: 1) an inhibition of [3H]DA uptake, 2) a reduction in DA clearance rates, and 3) an effect upon DA recovery that is similar to that observed to the putative DA uptake blocker, nomifensine. The capacity and significance for steroid hormones to modulate neurotransmitter transporters has been recently reviewed.

Estrogen reduces acute striatal dopamine responses in vivo to the neurotoxin MPP+ in female, but not male rats

The effects of in vivo estrogen treatment upon MPP(+)-induced dopamine (DA) release were determined using in vivo microdialysis in female and male rats. Ovariectomized female rats were implanted or not with an estrogen pellet (0.1 mg, 17beta estradiol) and subjected to microdialysis 6 days later. After baseline DA release was determined, 5 mM MPP(+) was infused through the microdialysis probe for one 20-min interval. Perfusion resumed with normal medium for the duration of the experiment. A significant attenuation of MPP(+)-induced DA release was obtained in estrogen-treated females. One week later, striatal DA and dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC) concentrations were determined for the lesioned and non-lesioned striata of each animal. MPP(+) infusion significantly decreased striatal DA concentrations, however, there was no effect of estrogen treatment on striatal DA depletion. This experiment was repeated using orchidectomized male rats treated with 0, 0.1, or 5 mg estradiol. In contrast to the females, no differences in MPP(+)-induced DA release were seen among these males, and there was no significant effect of the varying estrogen treatments on striatal DA or DOPAC concentrations. These results demonstrate that in vivo estrogen treatment attenuates MPP(+)-induced striatal DA release in gonadectomized female, but not male, rats.

Reserpine prevents hydroxyl radical formation by MPP+ in rat striatum

The present study investigated the blockage of dopamine (DA) oxidation by reserpine. 1-Methyl-4 phenylpyridinium ion (MPP+) increased the release of DA and the formation of hydroxyl radical ( r22. OH). The r22. OH generated by DA when captured as the hydroxylated derivative of salicylic acid was measured by the high-performance liquid chromatographic-electrochemical (HPLC-EC) procedure. MPP+ concentration for half-maximal effect of DA producing release (EC50) was 5.2 mM. The maximum attainable concentration of dialysate DA (Emax) by MPP+ was 7.7 microM. However, the EC50 and Emax values with reserpinized animal were 5.2 mM and 1.2 microM, respectively. When high concentration of pargyline (10 mM) were infused in MPP+ (5 mM)-pretreated animals, a marked elevation of DA and r22. OH formation was observed. The level of DA and 2, 3-DHBA formations was drastically reduced, as compared with the MPP+-only treated group. Although the levels of MPP+-induced DA and 2,3-DHBA formation after pargyline treatment increased, pargyline failed to increase either the level of MPP+-induced DA or 2,3-DHBA in the reserpinized group. When DA was administered to the MPP+-pretreatment group, a marked elevation was observed, showing a positive linear correlation DA and r22. OH formation trapped as 2,3-DHBA (R2=0.978) in the dialysate. When corresponding experiment were performed with iron (II), the same results were obtained: a positive linear correlation between the release of DA and 2,3-DHBA (R2=0.989) in the dialysate. These results indicated that reserpine-induced DA depletion may reduce MPP+-induced r22. OH formation.

Decreases in mouse brain NAD+ and ATP induced by 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1, 2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP): prevention by the poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitor, benzamide

Inhibitors of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP), including benzamide, protect against 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3, 6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)-induced dopamine neurotoxicity in vivo [Cosi et al., Brain Res. 729 (1996) 264-269]. In vitro, the activation of PARP by free radical damaged DNA has been shown to be correlated with rapid decreases in the cellular levels of its substrate nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+), and ATP. Here, we investigated in vivo whether MPTP acutely caused region- and time-dependent changes in brain levels of NAD+, ATP, ADP and AMP in C57BL/6N mice killed by head-focused microwave irradiation, and whether such effects were modified by treatments with neuroprotective doses of benzamide. At 1 h after MPTP injections (4x20 mg/kg i.p.), NAD+ was reduced by 11-13% in the striatum and ventral midbrain, but not in the frontal cortex. The ATP/ADP ratio was reduced by 10% and 32% in the striatum and cortex, respectively, but was unchanged in the midbrain. All of these regional changes were prevented by co-treatment with benzamide (2x160 mg/kg i.p.), which by itself did not alter regional levels of NAD+, ATP, ADP or AMP in control mice. In a time-course study, a single dose of MPTP (30 mg/kg i.p.) resulted in maximal and transient increases in striatal levels of MPP+ and 3-methoxytyramine (+540%) at 0.5-2 h, followed by maximal and coincidental decreases in NAD+ (-10%), ATP (-11%) and dopamine content (-39%) at 3 h. Benzamide (1x640 mg/kg i. p., 30 min before MPTP) partially reduced MPP+ levels by 30% with little or no effect on MPTP or MPDP+ levels, did not affect or even slightly potentiated the increase in 3-methoxytyramine, and completely prevented the losses in striatal NAD+, ATP and dopamine content, without by itself causing any changes in these latter parameters in control mice. These results (1) confirm that MPTP reduces striatal ATP levels [Chan et al., J. Neurochem. 57 (1991) 348-351.]; (2) show that MPTP causes a regionally-dependent (striatal and midbrain) loss of NAD+; (3) indicate that the PARP inhibitor benzamide can prevent these losses without interfering with MPTP-induced striatal dopamine release; and (4) provide further evidence to suggest an involvement of PARP in MPTP-induced neurotoxicity in vivo.

Regulation of cyclic GMP and cyclic AMP production by S-nitroso-cysteine in rat thymocytes

Nitrogen monoxides regulate cellular functions via cyclic GMP accumulation induced by nitric oxide (NO). However, the effects of NO on the cyclic AMP system have not been studied in detail. In this study, we investigated the effects of various NO donors on cyclic GMP and cyclic AMP accumulation in rat thymocytes. Addition of S-nitroso-cysteine stimulated cyclic GMP accumulation at concentrations up to 10 microM, but was inhibitory at higher concentrations. Other NO donors such as sodium nitroprusside stimulated cyclic GMP accumulation markedly without causing inhibition. S-Nitroso-cysteine, but not other NO donors, inhibited forskolin-stimulated cyclic AMP accumulation in intact thymocytes and thymocyte membrane preparations. The inhibitory effect of S-nitroso-cysteine on cyclic AMP accumulation in membranes was partially reversed by dithiothreitol treatment. These findings suggest that the cyclic AMP system in thymocytes is specifically modified by S-nitroso-cysteine, and not by the NO/cyclic GMP system.

Effect of .OH scavenging action by non-SH-containing angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor imidaprilat using microdialysis

We examined the effect of non-SH-containing angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor imidaprilat on hydroxyl radical (.OH) generation using microdialysis. Salicylic acid in Ringer's solution containing sodium salicylate (0.5 n mol microL-1 min-1) was infused directly through a microdialysis probe to detect the generation of .OH as reflected by the formation of 2,3-dihydroxybenzoic acid (DHBA) in the myocardium of anesthetized rats. We compared the ability of two non-SH-containing ACE inhibitors (imidaprilat and enalaprilat) with an -SH-containing ACE inhibitor (captopril) to scavenge the .OH. When iron (II) was administered to animals pretreated with these three ACE inhibitors, a decrease in 2,3-DHBA of all three compounds was observed, as compared with the iron (II) only-treated group. All three ACE inhibitors were able to scavenge .OH generated by the action of iron (II). However, imidaprilat is a free radical scavenger more potent than enalaprilat. These results suggested that ACE inhibitors are probably not only related to the presence of the SH radical.

Adenosine deaminase activity in rat intestine: assay with a microdialysis technique

Using microdialysis, we measured adenosine deaminase activity in rat intestine by detecting inosine, a breakdown product of adenosine. The dialysis probe consisted of a 3 x 0.22 mm dialysis fiber with a 50,000 mol wt cut off. When the probe was perfused at 1 microl/min in vitro, the average relative recovery rate of inosine was 22.1+/-0.9%). The dialysis probe was implanted in the intestinal mucosa and perfused with Tyrode solution containing adenosine at 1 microl/min. The dialysate samples were analyzed for inosine by high-performance liquid chromatography with ultraviolet (HPLC-UV) detection at 260 nm. When adenosine (100-1000 microM) was perfused, the level of inosine increased dose-dependently and was saturatable at about 1 mM adenosine. The ED50 of adenosine was 192.6 microM, with a maximum attainable inosine concentration of 59.7 microM. In the presence of aminoguanidine, a adenosine deaminase inhibitor (10 mM or 10 n mol/microl/min), the elevation of inosine was not observed. The dialysis technique makes it possible to measure adenosine deaminase activity in intestinal mucosa.

Estrogen as a neuromodulator of MPTP-induced neurotoxicity: effects upon striatal dopamine release

The effects of estrogen upon MPTP-induced neurotoxicity were examined using in vitro superfusion. In Experiment 1, striatal tissue from ovariectomized rats was infused with MPP+ (10 microM), a combination of MPP+ and 17beta-estradiol (300 nM), the same dose of estradiol preceding MPP+, or no treatment infusion. The effects of these treatments on dopamine release rates during the infusion periods were determined. Infusion of MPP+ resulted in a significant increase in dopamine release as compared to the control. Estradiol added to the MPP+ infusion significantly attenuated this dopamine (DA) release, while estradiol treatment preceding the MPP+ had no effect. In Experiment 2, three different doses of estradiol (0.3, 3, or 300 nM) were infused simultaneously with the MPP+. Doses of estradiol below 300 nM did not attenuate the DA release. In Experiment 3, estradiol alone (300 nM) was infused, to determine dopamine release rate effects of the hormone itself. There was no difference between estradiol treated and non-infused control groups. These results demonstrate that the gonadal steroid hormone estradiol can modulate responses of striatal dopamine neurons to MPP+ by altering the immediate increase in dopamine release which occurs in response to this neurotoxin. These modulating effects of estradiol are dose-dependent, and represent a direct effect upon striatal neurons, most likely involving a non-genomic mechanism of action. These results implicate that hormonal modulation of nigrostriatal dopaminergic neurotoxicity may represent an important variable responsible for the sex differences which are reported in Parkinson's disease.

Protective effect of carbidopa on hydroxyl radical generation in the rat striatum by dopamine

The effect of L-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (L-DOPA) on the generation of hydroxyl free radicals (.OH) was investigated using striatal microdialysis technique. Salicylic acid in Ringer's solution (0.5 nmol.microliters-1.min-1) was infused directly through a microdialysis probe to detect the generation of .OH as reflected by the formation of dihydroxybenzoic acids (DHBA) in the striatum. When L-DOPA (0.1 mM; 1 microliter.min-1) was infused in the rat brain, the level of 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC) gradually increased in a time-dependent manner. In addition, a marked elevation of DHBA was observed. However, in the presence of carbidopa, a decarboxylase inhibitor, the elevation in DHBA formation was not observed. These results suggest that carbidopa may suppress the .OH generation by dopamine (DA).

Intracranial microdialysis of salicylic acid to detect hydroxyl radical generation by monoamine oxidase inhibitor in the rat

The effect of pargyline, a monoamine oxidase inhibitor, on the generation of hydroxyl free radicals (OH) was investigated using striatal microdialysis. Salicylic acid in Ringer's solution (0.5 nmol microliter-1 min-1) was infused through a microdialysis probe to detect the generation of hydroxyl radicals (OH) as reflected by the formation of dihydroxybenzoic acid (DHBA) in the striatum. When pargyline (100 nmol microliter-1 min-1) was infused in rat brain, the level of 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC) gradually decreased in a time-dependent manner. In addition, a marked elevation of DHBA was observed. The present results indicate that accumulation of dopamine (DA) in the extracellular fluid elicited by pargyline can be auto-oxidized, which in turn leads (possibly by an indirect mechanism) to the formation of cytotoxic OH free radicals.

In vivo monitoring of norepinephrine and hydroxyl free radical generation by ferrous iron in the myocardium with a microdialysis technique

1. We examined in vivo monitoring of norepinephrine and hydroxyl radical generation in rat myocardium with a microdialysis technique. For this purpose, we designed the microdialysis probe holding system which includes loose fixation of the tube and synchronization of the movement of the heart and the probe. 2. The hydroxyl free radical (.OH) reacts with salicylate and generates 2,3- and 2,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid (DHBA) which can be measured electrochemically in picomole quantity by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). 3. After probe implantation, norepinephrine concentration of dialysate decreased over the first 150 min and then reached an almost steady level. A positive linear correlation between the ferrous iron and .OH formation trapped as 2,3-DHBA (R2 = 0.960) and 2,5-DHBA (R2 = 0.982) was observed using the microdialysis technique. 4. The present results indicate that non-enzymatic oxidation in the extracellular fluid may play a key role in hydroxyl radical generation by ferrous iron.

Effect of ferrous iron on the generation of hydroxyl free radicals by liver microdialysis perfusion of salicylate

1. We applied in vivo microdialysis technique to examine the effect of Fe2+, Fe3+, Cu2+ and Zn2+ on free radical-generation of rat liver. The hydroxyl free radical (.OH) reacts with salicylate and generates 2,3- and 2,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid (DHBA) which can be measured electrochemically in picomole quantity by HPLC-EC procedure. 2. The relative rates of recovery of 2,3- and 2,5-DHBA at 1 microliter/min in vitro were an average of 10.1 +/- 0.8% and 10.5 +/- 9%, respectively. 3. When the metal ion infused through the dialysis probe, Fe2+ but not Fe3+, Cu2+ and Zn2+ caused an increase in the formation of DHBA of rat liver. 4. After the Ringer solution containing 10 mumole/kg was injected into the penile vein, the levels of 2,3- and 2,5-DHBA were increased about 60% and 40%, respectively. 5. These results indicate that non-enzymatic oxidation in the extracellular fluid may play a key role in Fe2+ generation of -OH in liver. Free radical formation processes may contribute to in vivo free radical formation induced by Fe2+.