Interaction of tryptophan and related compounds with oxygen- and carbon-centered radicals

Abstract

Effects of tryptophan, 5-hydroxytryptophan, serotonin, and melatonin on final product formation during radiolysis of deaerated and oxygen-saturated ethanol and aqueous 1M ethanol solutions were studied. The named amino acids were found to be capable of adding α-hydroxyethyl radicals, thereby suppressing recombination reactions of these species. Unlike melatonin, tryptophan, 5-hydroxytryptophan, and serotonin were able to reduce oxygen-centered radicals being formed on radiation-chemical oxidation of ethanol in the presence of oxygen via electron transfer from the amine nitrogen lone pair.

Keywords::

• tryptophan
• oxygen-centered radicals
• carbon-centered radicals
• steady-state radiolysis
• neurodegenerative disorders

Declaration of interest

The authors report no conflict of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.