Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 18, 2026

Detecting, Visualizing and Quantitating the Generation of Reactive Oxygen Species in an Amoeba Model System
Published on: November 5, 2013
Sensitivity of alpha-amanitin to oxidation by a lactoperoxidase-hydrogen peroxide system
A Zheleva1, D Michelot, Z D Zhelev
1Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Medical Faculty, Thracian University, 11 Armeiska Str. 6000, Stara Zagora, Bulgaria.
Abstract:
Oxidation of alpha-amanitin - a potent hepatotoxin found in the mushroom Amanita phalloides - by a lactoperoxidase-hydrogen peroxide system was investigated by different techniques. (i). UV spectroscopy of the mixture after 24 h incubation reveals a significant decrease in the absorbance range characteristic of the putative reactive moiety of the toxin, the tryptathionine group. (ii). Formation of a new product was detected by Thin Layer Chromatography. (iii). In vivo experiments with non-inbred male albino mice showed a lowered toxicity of the modified toxin in comparison with that of the native one. Taking into account the latter results concerning the sensitivity of the toxin towards an oxidising system, the formation and reactivity of an alpha-amanitin derivative is discussed in the course of A. phalloides poisoning (inhibition of RNA polymerase type II and development of damaging radical species).
Related Concept Videos
Oxidation of Alkenes: Syn Dihydroxylation with Potassium Permanganate
Oxidation of Alcohols
The process of oxidation in a chemical reaction is observed in any of the three forms:
Oxidations of Aldehydes and Ketones to Carboxylic Acids
Aldehydes readily undergo oxidation in strong oxidizing agents such as potassium permanganate and chromic acid. The oxidation can also be carried out using mild oxidizing agents such as silver oxide. In fact, aldehydes can be easily oxidized...
Reactions of Aldehydes and Ketones: Baeyer–Villiger Oxidation
The carbonyl center is activated by...
Oxidation of Phenols to Quinones
o-hydroxy phenols are oxidized to o-quinones and p-hydroxy phenols to p-quinones. Such redox reactions involve the transfer of two electrons and two protons. The reversible redox property is crucial in...
Radical Oxidation of Allylic and Benzylic Alcohols

