EFFECT OF AMINO-ACID PEROXIDES ON THE ERYTHROCYTE

The effect of amino acid peroxides, relatively stable products of irra diation of amino acid solutions, on erythrocyte components was studied . Interaction of proline, lysine, valine, and leucine peroxides (100-3 00 mu M) with erythrocyte membranes brought about a decrease of membra ne protein -SH group content and of activities of (Na+, K+)-ATPase and Ca2+-ATPase, and induced aggregation of membrane proteins, due mainly to the formation of interpeptide disulfides. Interaction of amino aci d peroxides with hemoglobin brought about hemoglobin oxidation to meth emoglobin. The effects of amino acid peroxides are similar to those of t-butyl hydroperoxide. These results indicate that peroxides of amino acid and proteins, which can also be formed under physiological condi tions, may be mediators of the cellular action of reactive oxygen spec ies.