Showing papers on "Catalase published in 1987"

Biochemical and developmental characterization of multiple forms of catalase in tobacco leaves.

Abstract: Leaf extracts of both Nicotiana tabacum and Nicotiana sylvestris contain multiple forms of catalase (H2O2:H2O2 oxidoreductase, EC 1.11.1.6) which are separable at different pH values by chromatofocusing columns. Marked changes in distribution of these catalases occur during seedling development and leaf maturation. The form of catalase eluting first (peak 1) was predominant during early seedling growth and present at all stages of development. Two more acidic forms (peaks 2 and 3) appeared later and comprised 29% of the total activity by 11 days postgermination. Mature leaves of N. tabacum contained peak 1 catalase, but peaks 2 and 3 represented 62% of the total activity. No interconversion of peaks 1, 2, and 3 was detected. The three forms of catalase differed in thermal stability with peak 1 > peak 2 ≫ peak 3. For N. sylvestris, t½ at 55°C was 31.5 and 3.0 min for peaks 1 and 3, respectively, and for N. tabacum, t½ was 41.5 and 3.2 min, respectively. All forms of catalase in tobacco show peroxidatic (measured as ethanol to acetaldehyde conversion) as well as catalatic activities. However, for both Nicotiana species the ratio peroxidatic/catalatic activity is at least 30-fold higher in peak 3 than in peaks 1 and 2. Chromatofocusing of extracts from spinach leaves separated at least four peaks of catalase activity, one of which had a 10-fold higher ratio of peroxidatic/catalatic activity than the others. Short-term growth (5 days) of tobacco seedlings under atmospheric conditions suppressing photorespiration (1% CO2/21% O2) reduced total catalase activity and caused a decline in peak 1 catalase and a substantial increase in the activity of peaks 2 and 3 relative to air-grown seedlings at the same stage.

Mutagenesis and stress responses induced in Escherichia coli by hydrogen peroxide

Abstract: Killing of Escherichia coli by hydrogen peroxide proceeds by two modes. Mode one killing appears to be due to DNA damage, has a maximum near 1 to 3 mM H2O2, and requires active metabolism during exposure. Mode two killing is due to uncharacterized damage, occurs in the absence of metabolism, and exhibits a classical multiple-order dose-response curve up to at least 50 mM H2O2 (J. A. Imlay and S. Linn, J. Bacteriol. 166:519-527, 1986). H2O2 induces the SOS response in proportion to the degree of killing by the mode one pathway, i.e., induction is maximal after exposure to 1 to 3 mM H2O2. Mutant strains that cannot induce the SOS regulon are hypersensitive to peroxide. Analysis of the sensitivities of mutants that are deficient in individual SOS-regulated functions suggested that the SOS-mediated protection is due to the enhanced synthesis of recA protein, which is rate limiting for recombinational DNA repair. Specifically, strains wholly blocked in both SOS induction and DNA recombination were no more sensitive than mutants that are blocked in only one of these two functions, and strains carrying mutations in uvrA, -B, -C, or -D, sfiA, umuC or -D, ssb, or dinA, -B, -D, -F, -G, -H, -I, or -J were not abnormally sensitive to killing by H2O2. After exposure to H2O2, mutagenesis and filamentation also occurred with the dose response characteristic of SOS induction and mode one killing, but these responses were not dependent on the lexA-regulated umuC mutagenesis or sfiA filamentation functions, respectively. Exposure of E. coli to H2O2 also resulted in the induction of functions under control of the oxyR regulon that enhance the scavenging of active oxygen species, thereby reducing the sensitivity to H2O2. Catalase levels increased 10-fold during this induction, and katE katG mutants, which totally lack catalase, while not abnormally sensitive to killing by H2O2 in the naive state, did not exhibit the induced protective response. Protection equal to that observed during oxyR induction could be achieved by the addition of catalase to cultures of naive cells in an amount equivalent to that induced by the oxyR response. Thus, the induction of catalase is necessary and sufficient for the observed oxyR-directed resistance to killing by H2O2. Although superoxide dismutase appeared to be uninvolved in this enhanced protective response, sodA sodB mutants, which totally lack superoxide dismutase, were especially sensitive to mode one killing by H2O2 in the naive state. gshB mutants, which lack glutathione, were not abnormally sensitive to killing by H2O2.

Initiation of lipid peroxidation in biological systems

Abstract: The direct oxidation of PUFA by triplet oxygen is spin forbidden. The data reviewed indicate that lipid peroxidation is initiated by nonenzymatic and enzymatic reactions. One of the first steps in the initiation of lipid peroxidation in animal tissues is by the generation of a superoxide radical (see Figure 16), or its protonated molecule, the perhydroxyl radical. The latter could directly initiate PUFA peroxidation. Hydrogen peroxide which is produced by superoxide dismutation or by direct enzymatic production (amine oxidase, glucose oxidase, etc.) has a very crucial role in the initiation of lipid peroxidation. Hydrogen peroxide reduction by reduced transition metal generates hydroxyl radicals which oxidize every biological molecule. Hydrogen peroxide also activates myoglobin, hemoglobin, and other heme proteins to a compound containing iron at a higher oxidation state, Fe(IV) or Fe(V), which initiates lipid peroxidation even on membranes. Complexed iron could also be activated by O2- or by H2O2 to ferryl iron compound, which is supposed to initiate PUFA peroxidation. The presence of hydrogen peroxide, especially hydroperoxides, activates enzymes such as cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase. These enzymes produce hydroperoxides and other physiological active compounds known as eicosanoids. Lipid peroxidation could also be initiated by other free radicals. The control of superoxide and perhydroxyl radical is done by SOD (a) (see Figure 16). Hydrogen peroxide is controlled in tissues by glutathione-peroxidase, which also affects the level of hydroperoxides (b). Hydrogen peroxide is decomposed also by catalase (b). Caeruloplasmin in extracellular fluids prevents the formation of free reduced iron ions which could decompose hydrogen peroxide to hydroxyl radical (c). Hydroxyl radical attacks on target lipid molecules could be prevented by hydroxyl radical scavengers, such as mannitol, glucose, and formate (d). Reduced compounds and antioxidants (ascorbic acid, alpha-tocopherol, polyphenols, etc.) (e) prevent initiation of lipid peroxidation by activated heme proteins, ferryl ion, and cyclo- and lipoxygenase. In addition, cyclooxygenase is inhibited by aspirin and nonsteroid drugs, such as indomethacin (f). The classical soybean lipoxygenase inhibitors are antioxidants, such as nordihydroguaiaretic acid (NDGA) and others, and the substrate analog 5,8,11,14 eicosatetraynoic acid (ETYA), which also inhibit cyclooxygenase (g). In food, lipoxygenase is inhibited by blanching. Initiation of lipid peroxidation was derived also by free radicals, such as NO2. or CCl3OO. This process could be controlled by antioxidants (e).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Influences of dietary restriction and age on liver enzyme activities and lipid peroxidation in mice.

Abstract: Dietary restriction extends maximum life span in rodents by unknown mechanisms. We compared livers from 12- and 24-mo-old mice fed control (C, approximately 95 kcal/wk) or restricted (R, approximately 55 kcal/wk) amounts of diet since 3 wk of age. We hypothesized that dietary restriction might alter the activity levels of enzymes with possible relevance to aging processes. The enzymes included several xenobiotic metabolizers, radical scavengers (catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase), superoxide sources (xanthine oxidase, peroxisomal beta-oxidation of palmitoyl-CoA) and glucose-6-phosphatase. Lipid peroxidation (LP) was also measured. Comparing 12- and 24-mo-old mice, the strongest diet or age effect was an increased catalase activity for group R (42% higher at 12 mo, 64% at 24 mo). LP was clearly lower in group R at 12 mo (a 30% decrease) and somewhat lower (13%) at 24 mo than in group C. Similarly, in 12-mo-old C and R mice injected with either the P-450 inducer beta-naphthoflavone (beta-NF in corn oil) or with corn oil alone. R mice showed higher catalase activity (40-44%) and lower LP (43-46%) in both beta-NF-injected and vehicle-injected groups. These data suggest that if free radical damage is involved in aging, it may be a particular kind of damage, that is, that in part prevented by a selective increase in catalase activity.

Hydrogen peroxide elicits pulmonary arterial relaxation and guanylate cyclase activation.

Abstract: Hydrogen peroxide produces concentration-dependent relaxation of precontracted isolated bovine intrapulmonary arterial rings by a mechanism which is independent of the endothelium or prostaglandin mediators. Relaxant responses to hydrogen peroxide concentrations of up to 100 microM were markedly attenuated by the inhibitor of soluble guanylate cyclase activation, methylene blue (10 microM). Micromolar concentrations of hydrogen peroxide elicit time- and concentration-dependent increase in arterial levels of guanosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate that are associated with decreases in force. Soluble guanylate cyclase activity is markedly activated by enzymatically generated hydrogen peroxide in a manner that is most closely associated with the concentration of catalase present in the assay, by a mechanism that is inhibited by superoxide anion and the inactivation of catalase. Our data are most consistent with the involvement of compound I, a species of catalase formed during the metabolism of peroxide, in the mechanism of guanylate cyclase activation. The nature of this mechanism of arterial relaxation suggests that it could contribute to the regulation of pulmonary vascular tone by oxygen tension.

Lipid peroxidation and free radical scavengers in thyroid dysfunction in the rat: a possible mechanism of injury to heart and skeletal muscle in hyperthyroidism.

Abstract: This study was designed to determine if peroxidation of biomembrane lipid and the protective system can be modified by the change in oxidative metabolism induced by thyroid dysfunction. The free radical scavengers (i.e. cuprozinc cytosolic and mangano mitochondrial superoxide dismutases, glutathione peroxidase, and catalase), mitochondrial oxidative marker enzymes (cytochrome c oxidase and fumarase), and lipid peroxide were measured in liver, heart, soleus (slow oxidative), and extensor digitorum longus (fast glycolytic) muscles. Rats were rendered hyper- or hypothyroid for 4 weeks and then killed. Superoxide dismutases were detected by specific RIAs: catalase by polarography, and lipid peroxide by fluorimetry. Hypothyroid rats failed to grow, while hyperthyroid rats had hypertrophied hearts but no growth failure. An increase in lipid peroxide was observed in the soleus and heart muscles of hyperthyroid rats. This was accompanied by an increase in mitochondrial superoxide dismutase and oxidative markers. ...

Differential formation of hydroxyl radicals by adriamycin in sensitive and resistant MCF-7 human breast tumor cells: implications for the mechanism of action

Abstract: Adriamycin-stimulated formation of .OH in sensitive and resistant subline of human breast tumor cells (MCF-7) has been examined by electron spin resonance spectroscopy. It was shown that adriamycin significantly stimulated the formation of .OH spin adducts [5,5-dimethyl-1-pyrroline N-oxide (DMPO)-OH] in the sensitive cells but not in the resistant cells. By use of spin-broadening techniques and inhibition of .OH with high molecular weight poly(ethylene glycol), which does not enter intact cells, it was shown that 60-65% of adriamycin-induced .OH were located extracellularly and were metal ion dependent since they were decreased in the presence of desferal. Furthermore, superoxide dismutase and catalase, enzymes that detoxify superoxide and hydrogen peroxide, also significantly inhibited adriamycin-induced .OH formation and protected against the cytotoxicity of adriamycin. The differential .OH formation in these two cell lines is not due to diminished activities of flavin-dependent activating enzymes nor decreased accumulation of the drug in the cells but appears to be related to enhanced activities of detoxifying enzymes, particularly, glutathione peroxidases in the resistant cells.

Human red cells scavenge extracellular hydrogen peroxide and inhibit formation of hypochlorous acid and hydroxyl radical.

Abstract: The ability of intact human red cells to scavenge extracellularly generated H2O2 and O2-, and to prevent formation of hydroxyl radicals and hypochlorous acid has been examined. Red cells inhibited oxidation of ferrocytochrome c by H2O2. Cells treated with aminotriazole no longer inhibited, indicating that protection was almost entirely due to intracellular catalase. Contribution by the GSH system was slight, and apparent only with low H2O2 concentrations when catalase was inhibited by aminotriazole. The cells were about a quarter as efficient at inhibiting cytochrome c oxidation as an equivalent concentration of purified catalase. No inhibition of O2(-)-dependent reduction of ferricytochrome c or nitroblue tetrazolium was observed, although extracted red cell superoxide dismutase inhibited nitroblue tetrazolium reduction at one fortieth the concentration of that in the cells. Red cells efficiently inhibited deoxyribose oxidation by hydroxyl radicals generated from H2O2, O2- and Fe(EDTA), and myeloperoxidase-dependent oxidation of methionine to methionine sulfoxide by stimulated neutrophils. Most of the red cell inhibition of hydroxyl radical production, and all the inhibition of methionine oxidation, was prevented by blocking intracellular catalase with aminotriazole. Thus red cells are able to efficiently scavenge H2O2, but not O2-, produced in their environment, and to inhibit formation of hydroxyl radicals and hypochlorous acid. They may therefore have an important role in extracellular antioxidant defense.

Action of hypochlorous acid on the antioxidant protective enzymes superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase

Abstract: The neutrophil enzyme myeloperoxidase generates hypochlorous acid (HOCl) at sites of inflammation. Glutathione peroxidase is very quickly inactivated by low concentration of HOCl. Inactivation of catalase is also rapid, but requires higher HOCl concentrations and the haem appears to be degraded. Inactivation of bovine CuZn superoxide dismutase is slower. Hence superoxide dismutase should not be easily inactivated by HOCl at sites of inflammation, which may contribute to its effectiveness as an anti-inflammatory agent and in minimizing reperfusion injury.

Hyperoxia increases H2O2 production by brain in vivo.

Abstract: Hyperoxia and hyperbaric hyperoxia increased the rate of cerebral hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) production in unanesthetized rats in vivo, as measured by the H2O2-mediated inactivation of endogenous catalase activity following injection of 3-amino-1,2,4-triazole Brain catalase activity in rats breathing air (02 ATA O2) decreased to 75, 61, and 40% of controls due to endogenous H2O2 production at 30, 60, and 120 min, respectively, after intraperitoneal injection of 3-amino-1,2,4-triazole The rate of catalase inactivation increased linearly in rats exposed to 06 ATA O2 (3 ATA air), 10 ATA O2 (normobaric 100% O2) and 30 ATA O2 (3 ATA 100% O2) compared with 02 ATA O2 (room air) Catalase inactivation was prevented by pretreatment of rats with ethanol (4 g/kg), a competitive substrate for the reactive catalase-H2O2 intermediate, compound I This confirmed that catalase inactivation by 3-amino-1,2,4-triazole was due to formation of the catalase-H2O2 intermediate, compound I The linear rate of catalase inactivation allows estimates of the average steady-state H2O2 concentration within brain peroxisomes to be calculated from the formula: [H2O2] = 66 pM + 56 ATA-1 X pM X [O2], where [O2] is the concentration of oxygen in ATA that the rats are breathing Thus the H2O2 concentration in brains of rats exposed to room air is calculated to be about 77 pM, rises 60% when O2 tension is increased to 100% O2, and increases 300% at 3 ATA 100% O2, where symptoms of central nervous system toxicity first become apparent These studies support the concept that H2O2 is an important mediator of O2-induced injury to the central nervous system

Degradation of human glomerular basement membrane by stimulated neutrophils. Activation of a metalloproteinase(s) by reactive oxygen metabolites.

Abstract: We examined the role of reactive oxygen metabolites in the degradation of human glomerular basement membrane (GBM) by stimulated human neutrophils. Neutrophils stimulated with phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) caused a significant degradation of GBM over 3 h resulting in 11.4 +/- 0.9% (SEM), n = 11 release of hydroxyproline compared with 0.3 +/- 0.09%, n = 11 release by unstimulated neutrophils. Superoxide dismutase, a scavenger of superoxide, did not inhibit the GBM degradation, whereas catalase, a scavenger of hydrogen peroxide, caused a marked inhibition (-60 +/- 7%, n = 4, P less than 0.001) of hydroxyproline release. Neither alpha-1 proteinase inhibitor, an inhibitor of elastase, nor soya bean trypsin inhibitor, an inhibitor of cathepsin G, caused any significant inhibition of GBM degradation. GBM degradation by cell-free supernatants obtained from stimulated neutrophils was markedly impaired in the presence of metal chelators EDTA (-72 +/- 7, n = 6, P less than 0.001) and 1,10,phenanthroline (-85 +/- 5%, n = 3, P less than 0.001). Considering these results, we postulated that reactive oxygen metabolites generated by the stimulated neutrophils activate a latent GBM degrading metalloproteinase(s). GBM degradation by supernatants obtained from incubations with catalase, azide, an inhibitor of myeloperoxidase, and methionine and taurine, scavengers of hypochlorous acid, was markedly reduced. Our data thus indicate that degradation of the GBM by PMA-stimulated neutrophils is due to activation of a latent metalloproteinase by hypochlorous acid or a similar oxidant generated by the myeloperoxidase-hydrogen peroxide-halide system.

Interaction between oxygen radicals and gastric mucin.

Abstract: The gastrointestinal epithelium is continuously exposed to reactive oxygen metabolites that are generated within the lumen. In spite of this exposure, the healthy epithelium appears unaffected, suggesting efficient mechanisms for protection against these potentially cytotoxic oxidants. The objective of this study is to characterize the interaction between purified gastric mucin and hydroxyl radicals generated from the interaction between ferric iron and ascorbic acid. We found that both native and pronase-treated mucin effectively scavenged hydroxyl radical and that the scavenging properties were not significantly different. The effective concentration of mucin required for a 50% reduction in malondialdehyde production was approximately 10 mg/ml for both native and pronase-treated mucin. In addition, the iron-ascorbic system produced a dramatic decrease (greater than 50%) in the specific viscosity of mucin that was inhibited by catalase, deferoxamine, and mannitol. Superoxide dismutase had no effect. These data suggest that hydroxyl radicals derived from the iron-catalyzed decomposition of hydrogen peroxide are responsible for the depolymerization of native mucin. We propose that mucin may provide protection to the surface epithelium of the gastrointestinal tract by scavenging oxidants produced within the lumen; however, it does so at the expense of its viscoelastic properties.

Gentamicin enhanced production of hydrogen peroxide by renal cortical mitochondria

Abstract: Agents that affect mitochondrial respiration have been shown to enhance the generation of reactive oxygen metabolites. On the basis of the well-demonstrated ability of gentamicin to alter mitochondrial respiration (stimulation of state 4 and inhibition of state 3), it was postulated that gentamicin may enhance the generation of reactive oxygen metabolites by renal cortical mitochondria. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of gentamicin on the production of hydrogen peroxide (measured as the decrease in scopoletin fluorescence) in rat renal cortical mitochondria. The hydrogen peroxide generation by mitochondria was enhanced from 0.17 +/- 0.02 nmol . mg-1 . min-1 (n = 14) in the absence of gentamicin to 6.21 +/- 0.67 nmol . mg-1 . min-1 (n = 14) in the presence of 4 mM gentamicin. This response was dose dependent with a significant increase observed at even the lowest concentration of gentamicin tested, 0.01 mM. Production of hydrogen peroxide was not increased when gentamicin was added to incubation media in which mitochondria or substrate was omitted or heat-inactivated mitochondria were used. The gentamicin-induced change in fluorescence was completely inhibited by catalase (but not by heat-inactivated catalase), indicating that the decrease in fluorescence was due to hydrogen peroxide. Thus this study demonstrates that gentamicin enhances the production of hydrogen peroxide by mitochondria. Because of their well-documented cytotoxicity, reactive oxygen metabolites may play a critical role in gentamicin nephrotoxicity.

Time-dependent inactivation of immobilized glucose oxidase and catalase.

Abstract: Homogeneous membranes containing immobilized glucose oxidase and catalase were stored in buffered solutions at 37 degrees C to determine the mechanisms and rates of catalyst inactivation. The experiments were designed so that inactivation occurred homogeneously throughout the membrane, thereby simplifying the analysis. The mechanism of inactivation is consistent with the reaction of hydrogen peroxide and certain catalytic intermediates of both enzymes. Based on this information, numerical simulations were developed that incorporate spatially heterogeneous catalytic and inactivation processes.

Indirect evidence for the induction of a prooxidant state by cadmium chloride in cultured mammalian cells and a possible mechanism for the induction.

Abstract: The effects of scavengers of active oxygen species on cadmium chloride (CdCl 2 )-induced inhibition of cell growth and DNA synthesis and on the metal-induced clastogenesis were investigated to evaluate whether cadmium could induce a prooxidant state in cultured Chinese hamster V79 cells. Inhibition by CdCl 2 of cell growth and [ 3 H]thymidine incorporation into the acid-insoluble fraction of cells and the metal-induced clastogenesis were suppressed in part by the presence of the diffusible radical scavenger, butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT). The action of BHT was concentration-dependent and did not affect the intracellular level of cadmium. d -Mannitol, a hydroxyl radical scavenger, also significantly suppressed Cd-induced inhibition of cell growth and [ 3 H]thymidine incorporation. Catalase was marginally suppressive on Cd-induced inhibition of cell growth. These results suggest that cadmium can induce a prooxidant state in cultured mammalian cells. The mechanism by which cadmium induces a prooxidant state was investigated by measuring the effect of cadmium on those enzymes which constitute a cellular defense against active oxygen and on the level of the intracellular antioxidant, glutathione (GSH). 2-h treatments with CdCl 2 over a concentration range of 2–10 × 10 −5 M did not influence superoxide dismutase, catalase, GSH peroxidase or GSSG reductase. In contrast, the level of glutathione was decreased to approximately 40% by treatment with 2 × 10 −5 M cadmium. The decrease in glutathione level may be responsible for a role by active oxygen in Cd-induced inhibition of cell growth and DNA synthesis and the metal-induced clastogenesis.

Multiple catalases in Bacillus subtilis.

Abstract: Vegetative cells of Bacillus subtilis in logarithmic growth phase produced one catalase, labeled catalase 1, with a nondenatured molecular weight of 205,000. As growth progressed, other activity bands with slower electrophoretic mobilities on polyacrylamide gels appeared, including a series of bands with a common nondenatured molecular weight of 261,000, collectively labeled catalase 2, and a minor band, with a molecular weight of 387,000, labeled catalase 3. Purified spores contained only catalase 2, and it was not produced in spo0A- or spo0F-containing mutants. Strains deficient in catalase 1 or catalase 2 or both were selected after mutagenesis. Sensitivities of the two main catalases to NaCN, NaN3, hydroxylamine, and temperature were similar, but the apparent Kms for H2O2 differed, being 36.6 and 64.4 mM, respectively, for catalase 1 and catalase 2. The levels of catalase 1 increased 15-fold during growth into stationary phase and could be increased 30-fold by the addition of H2O2 to the medium. Catalase 2, which was not affected by H2O2, appeared only after the cells had reached stationary phase, and the maximum levels were only half of the basal level of catalase 1.

Oxidative killing of Aspergillus fumigatus proceeds by parallel myeloperoxidase-dependent and -independent pathways.

Abstract: The relative importance of several oxygen intermediates in fungicidal action against opsonized Aspergillus fumigatus conidia was investigated with monocytes from normal volunteers and patients with either chronic granulomatous disease or myeloperoxidase (MPO) deficiency. Results from experiments in which catalase, taurine, mannitol, or glucose-glucose oxidase were added to these phagocytes indicated that the MPO-hydrogen peroxide-halide system and an MPO-independent oxidative system exerted comparable conidiacidal activity. These findings offer a plausible explanation for the susceptibility of patients with chronic granulomatous disease to invasive Aspergillus infections; their phagocytes fail to generate hydrogen peroxide, a substrate necessary for both systems. Patients with MPO deficiency are not known to be predisposed to invasive aspergillosis, suggesting that an MPO-independent oxidative system may provide an alternative mechanism for the oxidative killing of Aspergillus spp.

Enzymatic protection against peroxidative damage in isolated brain capillaries.

Abstract: The content of polyunsaturated fatty acids, the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase, and catalase, and the concentration of reduced glutathione were measured in cerebral microvessels isolated from rat brain. Polyunsaturated fatty acids, mainly arachidonic, linoleic, and docosahexaenoic acids, accounted for 32% of total fatty acids in cerebral microvessels. Whereas total SOD activity in the microvessels was slightly lower than that found in cerebrum and cerebellum, glutathione peroxidase and glutathione reductase activities were twice as high and catalase activity was four times higher. Glutathione peroxidase in microvessels is active on both hydrogen peroxide and cumen hydroperoxide, and it is strongly inhibited by mercaptosuccinate. After several hours of preparation, the concentration of reduced glutathione in isolated microvessels was 0.7 mumol/mg of protein, which corresponds to a concentration of approximately 3.5 mM. Our results indicate that the blood-brain barrier contains large amounts of peroxide-detoxifying enzymes, which may act, in vivo, to protect its highly polyunsaturated membranes against oxidative alterations.

Liposome-mediated augmentation of catalase in alveolar type II cells protects against H2O2 injury

Abstract: Oxidant injury to the alveolar epithelium can be mediated by exposure to oxidant gases such as O2 at high concentrations and O3, inflammatory cell-derived reactive O2 species, and the intracellular metabolism of xenobiotics such as paraquat. An in vitro model of alveolar epithelial oxidant injury was developed based on exposure of cultured rat type II pneumocytes to superoxide and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) enzymatically generated in the culture medium. Cytotoxicity was assessed by the release of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) into the culture medium, which was a more reliable indicator of damage than release of 51Cr by prelabeled cells. Incubation of cells for 6–8 h with xanthine plus xanthine oxidase and glucose plus glucose oxidase induced the release of greater than 50% of total intracellular LDH. Oxidant exposure also resulted in significant detachment of cells from culture dishes. Modulation of oxidant damage was accomplished using liposomes as vectors for the delivery of catalase. Treatment of cells with catalase liposomes for 2 h resulted in augmentation of cellular catalase specific activities up to 631% of controls. Catalase was partitioned into intracellular and surface-associated compartments in catalase liposome-treated cells. Partial and complete protection against oxidant injury, induced by xanthine plus xanthine oxidase and glucose plus glucose oxidase, respectively, was achieved by pretreatment of cells with catalase liposomes. LDH release during oxidant exposure was inversely related to augmentation of cellular catalase activities. Catalase liposome-treated cells also exhibited an enhanced ability to scavenge enzymatically generated H2O2 from the culture medium. These observations suggest a useful approach to modulation of alveolar injury induced by reactive O2 species.