Chemiluminescence associated with doxorubicin-induced lipid peroxidation in rat heart mitochondria

Chemiluminescence was observed in a rat heart mitochondrial suspension containing NADH, FeC1(3) and doxorubicin (Adriamycin) (DXR). There was good correlation between the total intensity of chemiluminescence and the total amount of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) produced during DXR redox cycling. Thus, the chemiluminescence was shown to be associated with lipid peroxidation. The chemiluminescence was quenched by superoxide dismutase (SOD), suggesting that superoxide anion radicals contributed to its production. Upon addition of 1,4-diazabicyclo[2,2,2]-octane (DABCO), a singlet oxygen emission enhancer, to the mitochondrial suspension emitting the chemiluminescence, the chemiluminescence intensity increased transiently, indicating the involvement of singlet oxygen. Furthermore, spectral analysis of the chemiluminescence showed it to be due to singlet oxygen and excited carbonyls.