title: Calcium in lipid peroxidation: does calcium interact with superoxide?
abstract: Using a pulse radiolysis approach to generate and observe superoxide anions (O2-.) in the absence and presence of calcium, we have attempted to verify the recent hypothesis of Babizhayev (Arch. Biochem. Biophys. 266, 446-451, 1988) of a Ca2(+)-O2-. interaction during lipid peroxidation. We could not observe rapid scavenging of O2-. or complex formation with Ca2+ to account for an inhibitory effect of this cation on lipid peroxidation. Neither could we agree that the stimulatory effect is due to liberation of catalytic ferrous iron from weak complexes by Ca2+. Drawing on reports in the literature, we propose an alternate explanation for the apparent stimulation of lipid peroxidation by low Ca2+ concentrations. In our view, this is not a direct effect, but reflects independently initiated processes of lipid peroxidation and Ca2+ translocation, which interact subsequently in a synergistic manner. The reported inhibition at high Ca2+ concentrations is considered an artifact as it was observed at levels far in excess of those relevant to animal systems (but not necessarily in some plant compartments).
authors.affiliation: Institute für Strahlenbiologie, GSF Research Center, Neuherberg, FRG.
authors.forename: W
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Bors
authors.forename: G R
authors.initials: GR
authors.lastname: Buettner
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Michel
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Saran
mesh_terms: D000085:Acetates; D019342:Acetic Acid; D002118:Calcium; D004583:Electrons; D005609:Free Radicals; D006878:Hydroxides; D017665:Hydroxyl Radical; D007700:Kinetics; D015227:Lipid Peroxidation; D013056:Spectrophotometry, Ultraviolet; D013481:Superoxides
chemical_list: D000085:Acetates; D005609:Free Radicals; D006878:Hydroxides; D013481:Superoxides; D017665:Hydroxyl Radical; D019342:Acetic Acid; D002118:Calcium