Effects of the antioxidants dithiothreitol and vitamin E on phospholipid metabolism in isolated rod outer segments

Phospholipid peroxidation and the activities of phospholipase A, acyl Coenzyme A:lysophospholipid acyltransferase and lysophospholipase were measured in isolated bovine rod outer segments (ROS) that were incubated in the presence or absence of the added antioxidants, vitamin E and dithiothreitol (DTT), and additionally in light or dark. DTT and vitamin E significantly inhibit both lipid peroxidation and the enzyme activities. These results suggest that one function of the enzymes for molecular replacement of fatty acids in ROS, is removal of peroxidized fatty acids and thus protection of the membrane phospholipids and proteins from further oxidative damage.