Role of Fe(III) in Fe(II)citrate-mediated peroxidation of mitochondrial membrane lipids

In this report we study the effect of Fe(III) on lipid peroxidation induced by Fe(II)citrate in mitochondrial membranes, as assessed by the production of thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances and antimycin A-insensitive oxy gen uptake. The presence of Fe(III) stimulates initiation of lipid peroxida tion when low citrate:Fe(II) ratios are used (less than or equal to 4:1). F or a citrate:total iron ratio of 1:1 the maximal stimulation of lipid perox idation by Fe(III) was observed when the Fe(II):Fe(III) ratio was in the ra nge of 1:1 to 1:2. The lag phase that accompanies oxygen uptake was greatly diminished by increasing concentrations of Fe(III) when the citrate:total iron ratio was 1:1, but not when this ratio was higher. It is concluded tha t the increase of lipid peroxidation by Fe(III) is observed only when low c itrate:Fe(II) ratios were used. Similar results were obtained using ATP as a ligand of iron. Monitoring the rate of spontaneous Fe(II) oxidation by me asuring oxygen uptake in buffered medium, in the absence of mitochondria, F e(III)-stimulated oxygen consumption was observed only when a low citrate:F e(II) ratio was used. This result suggests that Fe(III) may facilitate the initiation and/or propagation of lipid peroxidation by increasing the rate of Fe(II)citrate-generated reactive oxygen species.