3-Methylindole inhibits lipid peroxidation.
The mechanism of pneumotoxicity of 3-methylindole has been postulated to occur via protein alkylation or lipid peroxidation. This report describes the effects of the addition of 3-methylindole to goat lung microsomes to evaluate the possibility that this xenobiotic may increase NADPH-supported lipid peroxidation. Concentrations of malondialdehyde were measured as an index of lipid peroxidation. Instead of a stimulation of lipid peroxidation by 3-methylindole, a complete inhibition of lipid peroxidation was produced by concentrations of 3-methylindole as low as 10 microM. The addition of 3-methylindole to actively peroxidizing microsomes (NADPH-supported) caused an immediate cessation of malondialdehyde production. These results demonstrate that 3-methylindole pneumotoxicity does not proceed by a mechanism of lipid peroxidation, but in fact, this molecule may act as an effective antioxidant to prevent lipid peroxidation in pulmonary tissue.
Pharmacology/Toxicology Program, College of Pharmacy, Washington State University, Pullman 99164-6510.
J D
JD
Adams
M C
MC
Heins
G S
GS
Yost
D000818:Animals; D006041:Goats / Q000378:metabolism*; D007211:Indoles / Q000494:pharmacology*; D008054:Lipid Peroxides / Q000378:metabolism*; D008168:Lung / Q000187:drug effects / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D008297:Male; D008315:Malondialdehyde / Q000378:metabolism; D008861:Microsomes / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism*; D009249:NADP / Q000494:pharmacology; D012862:Skatole / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000633:toxicity
D007211:Indoles; D008054:Lipid Peroxides; D008315:Malondialdehyde; D009249:NADP; D012862:Skatole