Antioxidative activity of pirolidinium salts in the erythrocyte membrane

The antioxidant activity of two new series of pirolidinium chlorides (PAC-n ) and bromides (PAB-n) was studied. The antioxidant functional group was in corporated into the polar part of the compounds. The influence of the compo unds on the degree of lipid oxidation in the erythrocyte membrane subjected to UV radiation was studied. It was found that all the salts used protecte d erythrocyte membranes against oxidation of membrane lipids. Their antioxi dant activity increased with alkyl chain length. PAB compounds were stronge r oxidation inhibitors than PAC ones. Possible reasons for such behaviour a re discussed, taking into account the fluidity changes in erythrocyte membr ane caused by the compounds studied. In order to do this, steady-state meas urements of fluorescence anisotropy were performed, enabling to calculate t he anisotropy coefficient.