Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Free Radicals and Oxygen Toxicity

  • Published:
Pharmaceutical Research Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Most organisms are constantly exposed to molecular oxygen, and this has become a requirement of life for many of them. Oxygen is not totally innocuous, however, and it has long been known to be toxic to many organisms, including humans. The deleterious effects of oxygen are thought to result from its metabolic reduction to highly reactive and toxic species, including superoxide anion radical and hydroxyl radical. Peroxidation of lipids is a major consequence of exposure to these species and the cell possesses various enzymes, including superoxide dismutase and catalase, as well as cellular antioxidants which are able to scavenge oxygen free radicals and repair peroxidized lipids. These aspects of oxygen toxicity are reviewed, as well as the involvement of oxygen free radicals in the toxicity of the herbicide paraquat.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

REFERENCES

  1. N. Haugaard. Physiol. Rev. 48:311–371 (1968).

    Google Scholar 

  2. R. G. Cutler. In W. A. Pryor (ed.), Free Radicals in Biology, Academic Press, New York, 1984, Vol. 6, pp. 371–428.

    Google Scholar 

  3. D. Harman. J. Am. Geriatr. Soc. 17:721–735 (1969).

    Google Scholar 

  4. H. Nohl and D. Hegner. Eur. J. Biochem. 82:563–567 (1978).

    Google Scholar 

  5. W. G. Harrelson and R. P. Mason. Mol. Pharmacol. 22:239–242 (1982).

    Google Scholar 

  6. M. R. Boyd, A. W. Stiko, and H. A. Sasame. Biochem. Pharmacol. 28:601–606 (1979).

    Google Scholar 

  7. R. A. Floyd. In W. A. Pryor (ed.), Free Radicals in Biology, Academic Press, New York, 1980, Vol. 4, pp. 187–208.

    Google Scholar 

  8. J. A. Badway and M. L. Karnovsky. Ann. Rev. Biochem. 49:695–726 (1980).

    Google Scholar 

  9. B. M. Babior, J. T. Curnette, and R. S. Kipnes. J. Lab. Clin. Med. 85:235–244 (1975).

    Google Scholar 

  10. P. M. Mewberne and V. Suphakarn. Nutr. and Cancer. 5:107–119 (1983).

    Google Scholar 

  11. W. Lohmann, K. G. Bensch, H. Sapper, A. Pleyer, J. Schreiber, S. O. Kang, H. Loffler, H. Pralle, K. Schwemmie, and R. D. Filler. In D. C. H. McBrien and T. F. Slater (eds.), Free Radicals, Lipid Peroxidation and Cancer, Academic Press, New York, 1982, pp. 55–73.

    Google Scholar 

  12. I. Fridovich. In A. P. Autor (ed.), Pathology of Oxygen, Academic Press, New York, 1982, pp. 1–9.

    Google Scholar 

  13. A. J. Paine. Biochem. Pharmacol. 27:1805–1813 (1978).

    Google Scholar 

  14. L. L. Ingraham and D. L. Meyer. Biochemistry of Dioxygen, Plenum Press, New York, 1985.

    Google Scholar 

  15. I. Fridovich. In O. Hayaishi and K. Asada (eds.), Biochemical and Medical Aspects of Active Oxygen, University Park Press, Baltimore, 1977, p. 4.

    Google Scholar 

  16. P. F. Knowles, J. F. Gibson, and R. C. Bray. Biochem J. 111:53–58 (1969).

    Google Scholar 

  17. B. Chance, H. Sies, and A. Boveris. Physiol. Rev. 59:527–605 (1979).

    Google Scholar 

  18. M. Ingelman-Sundberg and I. Johansson. J. Biol. Chem. 259:6447–6458 (1984).

    Google Scholar 

  19. B. Halliwell and J. M. C. Gutteridge. Free Radicals in Biology and Medicine, Clarendon Press, Oxford, 1985.

    Google Scholar 

  20. H. P. Misra and I. Fridovich. J. Biol. Chem. 247:6960–6962 (1972).

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  21. D. T. Sawyer and J. S. Valentine. Accts. Chem. Res. 14:393–400 (1981).

    Google Scholar 

  22. M. A. Pathak and P. C. Joshi. Biochim. Biophys. Acta 798:115–126 (1984).

    Google Scholar 

  23. R. B. Johnston, Jr. and S. Kitagawa. Fed. Proc. 44:2927–2932 (1985).

    Google Scholar 

  24. J. M. McCord. Science 185:529–531 (1974).

    Google Scholar 

  25. K. Lund Olesen and K. B. Menander. Curr. Therapeut. Res. 16:706–717 (1974).

    Google Scholar 

  26. J. M. McCord and E. D. Day. FEBS Lett. 86:139–142 (1978).

    Google Scholar 

  27. S. D. Aust, and B. A. Svingen. In W. A. Pryor (ed.), Free Radicals in Biology, Academic Press, New York, 1982, Vol. 5, pp. 1–28.

    Google Scholar 

  28. K. Sehested, O. L. Rasmussen, and H. J. Fricke. J. Phys. Chem. 72:626–631 (1968).

    Google Scholar 

  29. L. A. Morehouse, M. Tien, J. R. Bucher, and S. D. Aust. Biochem. Pharmacol. 32:123–127 (1983).

    Google Scholar 

  30. O. Beloqui and A. I. Cederbaum. Biochem. Pharmacol. 35:2663–2669 (1986).

    Google Scholar 

  31. J. M. McCord and I. Fridovich. J. Biol. Chem. 244:6049–6055 (1969).

    Google Scholar 

  32. H. Markowitz, G. E. Cartwright and M. M. Wintrobe. J. Biol. Chem. 234:40–45 (1959).

    Google Scholar 

  33. B. G. Malmstrom, L.-E. Andreasson, and B. Reinhammar, In P. D. Boyer (ed.), The Enzymes, Academic Press, New York, 1975, Third Ed, Vol. 12, pp. 507–580.

    Google Scholar 

  34. J. M. McCord and I. Fridovich. J. Biol. Chem. 245:1374–1377 (1970).

    Google Scholar 

  35. J. M. McCord, B. B. Keele, and I. Fridovich. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. (USA) 68:1024–1027 (1971).

    Google Scholar 

  36. I. Fridovich. Ann. Rev. Biochem. 44:147–159 (1975).

    Google Scholar 

  37. M. Pick, J. Rabani, F. Yost, and I. Fridovich. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 96:7329–7333 (1974).

    Google Scholar 

  38. R. A. Weisiger and I. Fridovich. J. Biol. Chem. 248:3582–3592 (1973).

    Google Scholar 

  39. H. M. Hassan and I. Fridovich. J. Bacteriol. 129:1574–1583 (1977).

    Google Scholar 

  40. E. M. Gregory, F. J. Yost, and I. Fridovich. J. Bacteriol. 115:987–991 (1973).

    Google Scholar 

  41. E. M. Gregory and I. Fridovich. J. Bacteriol. 114:543–548 (1973).

    Google Scholar 

  42. E. M. Gregory and I. Fridovich. J. Bacteriol. 114:1193–1197 (1973).

    Google Scholar 

  43. E. M. Gregory, S. A. Goscin, and I. Fridovich. J. Bacteriol. 117:456–460 (1974).

    Google Scholar 

  44. C. deDuve. Proc. Roy. Soc. B. 173:71–83 (1969).

    Google Scholar 

  45. S. L. Marklund, N. G. Westmann, E. Lundgren, and G. Roos. Cancer Res. 42:1955–1961 (1982).

    Google Scholar 

  46. C. M. Redman, D. J. Grab, and R. Irukulla. Arch. Biochem. Biophys. 152:496–501 (1972).

    Google Scholar 

  47. R. S. Holmes and C. J. Masters. Int. J. Biochem. 1:474–482 (1970).

    Google Scholar 

  48. G. R. Schonbaum and B. Chance. In P. D. Boyer (ed.), The Enzymes, Academic Press, New York, 1976, Vol. 13, pp. 363–408.

    Google Scholar 

  49. G. C. Mills. J. Biol. Chem. 229:189–197 (1957).

    Google Scholar 

  50. G. C. Mills. J. Biol. Chem. 234:502–506 (1959).

    Google Scholar 

  51. N. S. Kosower and E. M. Kosower. Int. Rev. Cytology 54:109–160 (1978).

    Google Scholar 

  52. C. Little and P. J. O'Brien. Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun. 31:145–150 (1969).

    Google Scholar 

  53. E. E. Conn and B. Vennesland. J. Biol. Chem. 192:17–28 (1951).

    Google Scholar 

  54. I. Fridovich. In A. P. Autor (ed.), Pathology of Oxygen, Academic Press, New York, 1982, p. 4.

    Google Scholar 

  55. L. K. Dahle, E. G. Hill, and R. T. Holman. Arch. Biochem. Biophys. 98:253–261 (1962).

    Google Scholar 

  56. C. A. Riely, G. Cohen, and M. Lieberman. Science. 183:208–212 (1974).

    Google Scholar 

  57. J. E. Biaglow, M. E. Varnes, E. P. Clark, and E. R. Epp. Rad. Res. 95:437–455 (1983).

    Google Scholar 

  58. A. Beneditti, M. Comparti, and H. Esterbauer. Biochim. Biophys. Acta. 620:281–296 (1980).

    Google Scholar 

  59. H. Esterbauer. In D. C. H. McBrien and T. F. Slater (eds.), Free Radicals, Lipid Peroxidation and Cancer, Academic Press, New York, 1982, pp. 101–128.

    Google Scholar 

  60. J. M. Gutteridge and G. J. Quinlan. J. Appl. Biochem. 5:293–299 (1983).

    Google Scholar 

  61. P. J. O'Brien. Can. J. Biochem. 47:485–492 (1969).

    Google Scholar 

  62. E. D. Wills. Biochem. J. 113:333–341 (1969).

    Google Scholar 

  63. M. U. Dianzani. In D. C. H. McBrien and T. F. Slater (eds.), Free Radicals, Lipid Peroxidation and Cancer, Academic Press, New York, 1982, pp. 129–158.

    Google Scholar 

  64. G. Czapski and L. M. Dorfman. J. Phys. Chem. 68:1169–1177 (1964).

    Google Scholar 

  65. J. M. C. Gutteridge, R. Richmond, and B. Halliwell. Biochem. J. 184:469–472 (1979).

    Google Scholar 

  66. B. N. Ames, R. Cathcart, E. Schwiers, and P. Hochstein. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. (USA) 78:6858–6862 (1981).

    Google Scholar 

  67. K. Fong, P. B. McCay, J. L. Poyer, B. B. Keele, and H. Misra, J. Biol. Chem. 248:7792–7797 (1973).

    Google Scholar 

  68. A. Bast and M. H. M. Sleeghs. Experientia 42:555–556 (1986).

    Google Scholar 

  69. R. Bredehorst, M. Panneerselvan, and C. Vogel. J. Biol. Chem. 262:2034–2041 (1987).

    Google Scholar 

  70. A. Samuni, J. Aronovitch, D. Godinger, M. Chevion, and G. Czapski. Eur. J. Biochem. 137:119–124 (1983).

    Google Scholar 

  71. D. R. Kearns. Chem. Rev. 71:395–427 (1971).

    Google Scholar 

  72. A. U. Khan and M. Kasha. J. Phys. Chem. 67:2105–2106 (1963).

    Google Scholar 

  73. A. U. Khan and M. Kasha. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 88:1574–1576 (1966).

    Google Scholar 

  74. M. Nakano, T. Noguchi, K. Sugioka, H. Fukuyama, M. Sato, Y. Shimizu, Y. Tsuji, and H. Inaba. J. Biol. Chem. 250:2404–2406 (1975).

    Google Scholar 

  75. M. M. King, E. K. Lai, and P. B. McKay. J. Biol. Chem. 250:6496–6502 (1975).

    Google Scholar 

  76. N. I. Krinsky. Trends Biochem. Sci. 2:35–38 (1977).

    Google Scholar 

  77. M. Botsivali and D. F. Evans. J. Chem. Soc. Chem. Commun. 1114–1116 (1979).

  78. C. S. Foote and R. W. Denny. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 90:6233–6235 (1968).

    Google Scholar 

  79. J. S. Bus, S. Z. Cagen, M. Olgaard, and J. R. Gibson. Toxicol. Appl. Pharmacol. 35:501–513 (1976).

    Google Scholar 

  80. P. B. Merkel, R. Nilsson, and D. R. Kearns. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 94:1030–1031 (1972).

    Google Scholar 

  81. R. Nilson and D. R. Kearns. J. Phys. Chem. 78:1681–1683 (1974).

    Google Scholar 

  82. A. A. Barber and F. Bernheim. Adv. Geront. Res. 2:355–403 (1967).

    Google Scholar 

  83. L. Garby and J. Neldon (eds.), The Respiratory Functions of Blood, Plenum Medical Book Company, New York, 1977.

    Google Scholar 

  84. J. M. C. Gutteridge. Res. Comm. Chem. Path. Pharmacol. 22:563–572 (1978).

    Google Scholar 

  85. J. A. Lucy. Ann. N. York Acad. Sci. 203:4–11 (1972).

    Google Scholar 

  86. N. Brot and H. Weissbach. Arch. Biochem. Biophys. 223:271–281 (1983).

    Google Scholar 

  87. G. W. Burton and K. U. Ingold. Acc. Chem. Res. 19:194–201 (1986).

    Google Scholar 

  88. E. Niki, Y. Yamamoto, and Y. Kamiya. In W. Bors, M. Saran, and D. Tait (eds.), Oxygen Radicals in Chemistry and Biology, Walter de Gruyter, Berlin, 1984, pp. 273–280.

    Google Scholar 

  89. J. E. Packer, T. F. Slater, and R. L. Willson. Nature 278:737–738 (1979).

    Google Scholar 

  90. T. Doba, G. W. Burton, and K. U. Ingold. Biochim. Biophys. Acta. 835:298 (1985).

    Google Scholar 

  91. G. R. Sagar. Hum. Toxicol. 6:7–11 (1987).

    Google Scholar 

  92. P. Smith and D. Heath. CRC Crit. Rev. Toxicol. 4:411–445 (1976).

    Google Scholar 

  93. L. J. Onyon and G. N. Volans. Hum. Toxicol. 6:19–29 (1987).

    Google Scholar 

  94. C. W. Sharp, A. Ottolenghi, and H. J. Posner. Toxicol. Appl. Pharmacol. 22:241–251 (1972).

    Google Scholar 

  95. P. Smith, D. Heath, and J. M. Kay. J. Pathol. 114:57–67 (1974).

    Google Scholar 

  96. W. J. Waddell and C. Marlowe. Tox. Appl. Pharmacol. 56:127–140 (1980).

    Google Scholar 

  97. H. M. Hassan and I. Fridovich. J. Biol. Chem. 254:10846–10852 (1979).

    Google Scholar 

  98. J. A. Farrington, M. Ebert, E. J. Land, and K. Fletcher. Biochim. Biophys. Acta. 314:372–381 (1973).

    Google Scholar 

  99. A. J. Bard, A. Ledwith, and H. J. Shine. Adv. Phys. Org. Chem. 13:115–278 (1976).

    Google Scholar 

  100. R. W. Miller and F. D. H. McDowell. Biochim. Biophys. Acta. 387:176–187 (1975).

    Google Scholar 

  101. J. R. Harbour and J. R. Bolten. Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun. 64:803–807 (1975).

    Google Scholar 

  102. M. R. Montgomery. Res. Comm. Chem. Pathol. Pharmacol. 16:155–158 (1977).

    Google Scholar 

  103. N. Watanabe, S. Yasuko, M. Nobuhiro, S. Yasushi, and S. Yoshida. Biochim. Biophys. Acta. 883:420–425 (1986).

    Google Scholar 

  104. J. S. Bus, S. D. Aust, and J. E. Gibson. Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun. 58:749–755 (1974).

    Google Scholar 

  105. R. D. Situnayake, B. J. Crump, D. I. Thurnham, J. A. Davies, and M. Davis. Hum. Toxicol. 6:94–98 (1987).

    Google Scholar 

  106. M. A. Thrush, E. G. Mimnaugh, E. Ginsburg, and T. E. Gram. Biochem. Pharmacol. 31:805–814 (1982).

    Google Scholar 

  107. M. F. Kenel, L. L. Bestervelt, and A. P. Kulkarni. Gen. Pharmacol. 18:373–378 (1987).

    Google Scholar 

  108. M. A. Thrush, E. G. Mimnaugh, E. Ginsburg, and T. E. Gram. Toxicol. Appl. Pharmacol. 60:279–286 (1981).

    Google Scholar 

  109. J. S. Bus, S. D. Aust, and J. E. Gibson. Res. Commun. Chem. Path. Pharmacol. 11:31–38 (1975).

    Google Scholar 

  110. A. P. Autor. Life Sci. 14:1309–1319 (1974).

    Google Scholar 

  111. H. M. Hassan and I. Fridovich. J. Biol. Chem. 253:8143–8148 (1978).

    Google Scholar 

  112. H. M. Hassan and I. Fridovich. J. Biol. Chem. 252:7667–7672 (1977).

    Google Scholar 

  113. J. R. Schiavone and H. M. Hassan. FEMS Microbiol. Letts. 42:33–38 (1987).

    Google Scholar 

  114. L. Frank. Biochem. Pharm. 30:2319–2324 (1981).

    Google Scholar 

  115. H. K. Fisher, J. A. Clements, and R. R. Wright. Am. Rev. Resp. Dis. 107:246–252 (1973).

    Google Scholar 

  116. R. F. Minchin. Chem. Biol. Interaact. 61:139–149 (1987).

    Google Scholar 

  117. H. Shu, R. E. Talcott, S. A. Rice, and E. T. Wei. Biochem. Pharmacol. 28:327–331 (1979).

    Google Scholar 

  118. J. M. Cassady and J. D. Douros (eds.). Anticancer Agents Based On Natural Models, Academic Press, New York, 1980.

    Google Scholar 

  119. H. W. Gardner. J. Agric. Food Chem. 27:220–229 (1979).

    Google Scholar 

  120. K. J. A. Davies. J. Biol. Chem. 262:9895–9901 (1987).

    Google Scholar 

  121. K. J. A. Davies. J. Biol. Chem. 262:9902–9907 (1987).

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of California, San Francisco, California, 94143

    Douglas D. Buechter

Authors
  1. Douglas D. Buechter
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Buechter, D.D. Free Radicals and Oxygen Toxicity. Pharm Res 5, 253–260 (1988). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1015914418014

Download citation

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1015914418014

Search

Navigation