[Methemoglobin-induced lipid peroxidation in model membranes].

Lipid peroxidation induced by methemoglobin in liposomes prepared from lecithin, cardiolipin and their mixtures has been investigated. Using absorption spectroscopy technique it was shown that in the bilayers with low initial oxidation methemoglobin caused the formation of diene conjugates. In the bilayers with high degree of oxidation protein activated cleavage of the available fatty acid hydroperoxides. Hydroperoxides were found to induce the reduction of methemoglobin absorption in the Soret band.