An ESR study on lipid peroxidation process. Formation of hydrogen atoms and hydroxyl radicals.

Lipid peroxidation process was studied by the combination of ESR spectroscopy and spin trapping with 5,5-dimethyl-1-pyrroline-N-oxide. Autoxidation of egg lecithin phosphatidylcholine dispersed in water was found to produce hydrogen atoms and hydroxyl radicals. It was also found that for producing such reactive species, unsaturated fatty acid moieties are needed. The ESR spectrum obtained from this model system was identical with that from body fluid such as serum, indicating that hydrogen atoms and hydroxyl radicals could be generated in living bodies during the course of lipid peroxidation.