Thiol oxidation and inhibition of Ca-ATPase by adriamycin in rabbit heart microsomes.

Incubation of rabbit heart microsomes with Adriamycin and NADPH resulted in the oxidation of approximately 25% of protein thiols and 66% inhibition of Ca-ATPase activity. Thiol oxidation and Ca-ATPase inactivation were iron-dependent and could be catalysed by ferritin. Removal of contaminating catalase revealed that both processes required H2O2 which could be supplied by O2 under aerobic conditions. However, O2- was not involved. Butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), alpha-tocopherol and beta-carotene inhibited lipid peroxidation of microsomes, but did not inhibit thiol oxidation or the inactivation of Ca-ATPase. Likewise, the hydroxyl radical scavengers benzoate, formate and mannitol were not inhibitory. Glutathione (GSH), however, prevented inactivation of Ca-ATPase. It is concluded that Adriamycin-enhanced redox reactions involving iron and H2O2 are responsible for oxidizing microsomal thiol groups and inhibition of Ca-ATPase. Disruption of Ca transport within the myocyte by this process could contribute to the cardiotoxicity of Adriamycin.