Inhibition of collagen gelation by action of the superoxide radical.

Superoxide anion, a highly reactive free radical, was generated in vitro using enriched purified xanthine oxidase. Collagen solutions exposed to superoxide radical failed to gel normally when heated to 37 degrees C. The magnitude of the inhibition of gelation was propotional to duration of exposure and to flux of superoxide. Since inhibition of collagen gelation reflects alteration of collagen biochemistry, and/or collagen degradation, it is suggested that the action of free radicals produced in vivo by leukocytes may adversely affect the structural or functional integrity of cartilage and adjacent joint structures.