Prooxidant properties of vanadate in vitro on catecholamines and on lipid peroxidation by mouse and rat tissues

Vanadate (Na3VO4) in micromolar concentrations enhanced the in vitro formation of adrenochrome from epinephrine, and of aminochrome from dopamine. Lipid peroxides in various tissues of the mouse and rat, particularly brain, were increased. Products of both catecholamine oxidation and lipid peroxidation may be the basis of the cardiotoxic and neurotoxic effects of vanadium.