[Interactions of carnosine and superoxide radicals in aqueous solutions]

Carnosine was discovered to be able to interact with superoxide-anion and active hydroxyl radicals, using carnosine aqueous solutions. This interaction is specific and can be detected at carnosine concentrations more than 0.02 mM. Interaction of carnosine with O2 results in occurring of charge translocation complex with absorbtion maximum at 265 nm. Stability of this complex is dependent on the medium pH, decreasing with its acidification.