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Ferrous-ascorbate complexes as carriers of nitric oxide
Z V Kuropteva1, M E Kudryavtsev
1Institute of Biochemical Physics, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia. chembio@glas.apc.org
General Physiology and Biophysics
|March 1, 1997
Summary
Ferrous-ascorbate complexes bind nitric oxide (NO) to form paramagnetic Fe-AA-NO. These complexes may act as NO and O2 carriers in blood plasma and contribute to blood vessel relaxation.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Chemical Biology
- Medical Chemistry
Background:
- Ferrous-ascorbate (Fe-AA) interacts with nitric oxide (NO).
- This interaction forms paramagnetic nitrosyl ferrous-ascorbate complexes (Fe-AA-NO).
- These complexes exhibit distinct EPR and optical absorption spectra.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the formation and properties of Fe-AA-NO complexes.
- To investigate the potential role of Fe-AA complexes in NO and O2 transport.
- To explore the involvement of Fe-AA-NO in endothelium-derived relaxing factor (EDRF) activity.
Main Methods:
- Electron Paramagnetic Resonance (EPR) spectroscopy to detect paramagnetic complexes.
- Optical absorption spectroscopy to analyze spectral properties.
- Investigation of NaNO2 decay in the presence of Fe-AA.
Main Results:
- Fe-AA-NO complexes were formed, showing an EPR signal (g ≈ 2.02) and optical absorption maxima (340, 460, 600 nm).
- Fe-AA-NO complexes demonstrated instability in oxygenated environments.
- Fe-AA complexes facilitated NO generation from NaNO2, with NO subsequently forming Fe-AA-NO.
Conclusions:
- Ferrous-ascorbate complexes can serve as carriers for nitric oxide and potentially oxygen in blood plasma.
- Nitrosyl ferrous-ascorbate complexes are proposed as key components of endothelium-derived relaxing factor (EDRF), mediating blood vessel relaxation.