The oxidative effect of hydrogen peroxide, ascorbic acid and glucose i
n the presence of transition metals was studied. Incubation of bovine
lens membranes with hydrogen peroxide/metal, ascorbic acid/metal and g
lucose/metal systems resulted in a significant augmentation of thiobar
bituric acid-reactive substance content in the membranes. Presence of
alpha-tocopherol decreased the extent of oxidative damage. This oxidat
ion was found to be mediated by hydroxyl radicals. Dependence of hydro
xyl radical generation upon the buffer used has been observed. In all
experiments Cu(II) ions exhibited a higher efficiency compared to Fe(I
I) ions.