ANTIOXIDANT PROPERTIES OF THE ALKALOID BOLDINE IN SYSTEMS UNDERGOING LIPID PEROXIDATION AND ENZYME INACTlVATION

Abstract

Boldine, in low micromolar concentrations, was able to prevent brain bomogenate autooxidatíon, the 2,2'·uobis(2·amidinopropane)(AAP)·induced Iipid peroxidation of red cell plasma rnembranes, and the AAP·induced inactivation of Iysozyrne. These results are indicative of a bigh reactivity of boldine towards free radicals. The anaJysis of the boldine effect as I function of incubation times suggests that a rnetabolite resulting from the interaction of boldine with úee radicals also exhibits antioxidant activity, being more efficient than boldine in brain homogenate luto-oxidation and leS5 efticient in Iysozyme protection uperiments. This behavior may,be Bccounted for in terms of the relalÍve Jocation of the scavengers needed to afford maximal protection.