Generation of the Superoxide Radical during Autoxidation of Oxymyoglobin

Abstract

Autoxidation of bovine oxymyoglobin to metmyoglobin induces co-oxidation of epinephrine to adrenochrome. This co-oxidation is markedly inhibited by superoxide dismutase [EC 1.15.1.1]. Electron transfer from oxymyoglobin to ferricytochrome c is partially inhibited by superoxide dismutase. These results indicate that autoxidation of oxymyoglobin results in generation of superoxide radicals. Autoxidation of oxymyoglobin is accelerated by superoxide dismutase and partially inhibited by catalase [EC 1.11.1.6].