title: Microsomal reduction of gentian violet. Evidence for cytochrome P-450-catalyzed free radical formation.
abstract: The triarylmethane dye, gentian violet, is shown to undergo a one-electron reduction by the cytochrome P-450 monooxygenase system to produce a carbon-centered free radical as demonstrated by direct electron spin resonance techniques. The formation of this species is inhibited by carbon monoxide and metyrapone, suggesting the involvement of cytochrome P-450. Either NADPH or NADH can serve as a source of reducing equivalents for the production of this free radical. Related triarylmethane dyes are also shown to be reduced by the monooxygenase system to form free radicals.
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002248:Carbon Monoxide / Q000494:pharmacology; D003577:Cytochrome P-450 Enzyme System / Q000494:pharmacology*; D004578:Electron Spin Resonance Spectroscopy; D005609:Free Radicals; D005840:Gentian Violet / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000633:toxicity; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D008862:Microsomes, Liver / Q000201:enzymology*; D009249:NADP / Q000494:pharmacology; D051381:Rats; D011919:Rats, Inbred Strains
chemical_list: D005609:Free Radicals; D009249:NADP; D002248:Carbon Monoxide; D003577:Cytochrome P-450 Enzyme System; D005840:Gentian Violet