Spin trapping of free radicals in homogenates of heart from selenium and vitamin E deficient rats.

The formation of unstable free radical species in homogenates of heart from selenium and/or vitamin E deficient rats has been investigated by electron spin resonance spectroscopy using the spin trap alpha-(4-pyridyl-1-oxide)-N-tert-butylnitrone. There was only a small amount of free radical formation by heart from control or selenium deficient animals. However, the amounts and rates of formation of free radicals were significantly higher in animals with vitamin E deficiency and higher still in those with combined selenium and vitamin E deficiency.