In vitro synthesis of nitroxide free radicals by hog liver microsomes.

The in vitro biooxidation of 4-hydroxy-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine (TEMP), 4-hydroxy-2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-oxazolidine (TEMO) and diphenylamine (DPA) by hog liver microsomes to their respective nitroxide free radicals, 4-hydroxy-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine-1-oxyl (TEMPO), 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-oxazolidine-1-oxyl (TEMOO), and diphenylnitroxide (DPNO) has been investigated. For extending the life span of the liver microsomes, a calcium alginate immobilization procedure was used. The biooxidation rates of the above amines to their respective nitroxide metabolites were measured by means of oxygen uptake at 37 degrees C and pH 7.4. N-octylamine was found to be an activator in the biooxidation of the amines. The formation of the nitroxide radicals was identified by E.S.R. spectroscopy.