PROTECTIVE EFFECT OF AMPHIPHILIC AMMONIUM-SALTS ON THE OXIDATION OF LECITHIN LIPOSOMES

The inhibition effect of selected amphiphilic quaternary alkyl-substit uted ammonium salts on oxidation of the lecithin liposome membrane was studied, induced by ultraviolet light and Fe2+ ions with ascorbic aci d added. The salts differed in alkyl chain length Ri having the follow ing alkyl substitutents: R1 = C9H19; R2 = C10H21; R3 = C12H25; R4 = CH 2OC14H29; R5=CH2OC16H33. It was found that all the salts used induced inhibition in oxidation of the liposome mem brane, both that induced b y UV light and ferrous ions. The antioxidant activity of the salts stu died, dependent on the chain length and concentration, can be represen ted by the relation R1 < R2 < R3 < R4 < R5. A similar dependence was o btained when the hemolytic activity of compounds was studied. Activity of salts increase with alkyl chain length.