Generation of hydroxyl radical from linoleic acid hydroperoxide in the presence of epinephrine and iron.

When linoleic acid hydroperoxide was reacted with ferrous iron, the electron spin resonance signals characteristic of the spin adduct of 5,5-dimethyl-1-pyrroline-N-oxide and the hydroxyl radical were detected. Although the signals were not detected with the hydroperoxide and ferric iron, they were actually found if epinephrine was added, indicating that the hydroxyl radical could be generated from the hydroperoxide upon reduction of the latter with ferrous iron formed by epinephrine. The possible generation of the hydroxyl radical from lipid peroxides in vivo was discussed from the viewpoint of pathogenesis of lipid peroxide-related diseases.