[Activation of lipid peroxidation in the adrenal cortex by metal ions]

The processes of lipid peroxidation have been studied in bovine adrenal cortex in vitro. The lipid peroxidation rate in this tissue is shown to be dependent on the content of metal ions. EDTA, deferroxamine and penicyllamine inhibit spontaneous lipid peroxidation by 25, 50 and 42%, respectively. The ability to activate the process permits arranging metal ions in the following sequence: Fe2+ greater than Fe3+ greater than Cu2+ greater than Mg2+ greater than Mn2+. The maximum activation of lipid peroxidation is observed at Fe2+ and Fe3+ concentrations within the range of 5 x 10(-6) x 10(-4) M.