Oxidative calcium release from catechol.
Oxidation of 4-methylcatechol previously exposed to aqueous calcium chloride was shown by ion chromatography to be associated with release of calcium ions. The catechol was oxidised to the corresponding orthoquinone by the use of tyrosinase from Agaricus bisporus. The oxidative release of calcium from the catechol is ascribed to the diminution of the available hydroxyl functions able to act as chelating groups. Our results suggest that the redox status of melanin may regulate calcium binding and influence calcium levels in pigmented cells.
Totteridge Institute for Advanced Studies, The Grange, Grange Avenue, London N20 8AB, UK. Electronic address: rebc900@ucl.ac.uk.
Patrick A
PA
Riley
CRUK/MRC Oxford Institute for Radiation Oncology, Department of Oncology, University of Oxford, Old Road Campus, Oxford OX3 7DQ, UK.
Michael R L
MR
Stratford
D000364:Agaricus / Q000201:enzymology; D002118:Calcium / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism*; D002396:Catechols / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism*; D014442:Monophenol Monooxygenase / Q000378:metabolism; D010084:Oxidation-Reduction; D011809:Quinones / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism
D002396:Catechols; D011809:Quinones; D014442:Monophenol Monooxygenase; C034221:catechol; D002118:Calcium
Calcium; Melanin; Oxidation; Photoprotection; Tyrosinase