title: Studies of electron spin resonance on bilirubin free radicals.
abstract: The nature of ESR signals derived from bilirubin-IX alpha has been studied by focusing on the samples treated with free radical generating and inhibiting systems, i.e. X-XOD, Fe/EDTA, SOD, mannitol/ascorbate, CO, KCN, etc. In all the cases, the stable signals comprise those originated from semiquinone radical (g = 2.0012) and superoxide free radical (g parallel = 2.041, g perpendicular = 2.0040). The superoxide is shown binding with certain metal ions chelated by bilirubin. The free radical scavengers are able to destroy these radicals. The kinetic curve of the regeneration of bilirubin radicals has been determined and the reaction follows a zero order mechanism. It is likely that both the physiological and toxic actions of bilirubin are related to the characters of its free radicals. Bilirubin is discussed as "active oxygen sink" in mammalians.
authors.affiliation: National Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Beijing Medical University, PRC.
authors.forename: Z H
authors.initials: ZH
authors.lastname: Yang
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Wang
authors.forename: X T
authors.initials: XT
authors.lastname: Liu
mesh_terms: D001663:Bilirubin / Q000737:chemistry*; D004578:Electron Spin Resonance Spectroscopy; D016166:Free Radical Scavengers; D005609:Free Radicals; D008353:Mannitol; D010100:Oxygen; D013482:Superoxide Dismutase; D013481:Superoxides
chemical_list: D016166:Free Radical Scavengers; D005609:Free Radicals; D013481:Superoxides; D008353:Mannitol; D013482:Superoxide Dismutase; D001663:Bilirubin; D010100:Oxygen