A carbon-centered free radical intermediate in the prostaglandin synthetase oxidation of arachidonic acid. Spin trapping and oxygen uptake studies.

The ESR spin-trapping technique has been used to identify a free radical involved in the oxygenation of arachidonic acid by ram seminal vesicle microsomes. The ESR spectrum of the radical adduct indicates that a carbon-centered arachidonic acid free radical has been observed. The formation of this species is inhibited by indomethacin, but not by phenol, and it is probably the first intermediate formed during the prostaglandin synthetase-catalyzed oxidation of arachidonic acid. The chemical identity of the trapped radical was substantiated with an independent synthesis of a closely related radical adduct.