Chapman A, Cammack R, Linstead D, Lloyd D
J Gen Microbiol. 1985 Sep;131(9):2141-4. doi: 10.1099/00221287-131-9-2141.
The nitro radical-anion of the anti-trichomonal drug metronidazole has been detected by electron spin resonance spectrometry under anaerobic conditions in suspensions of intact hydrogenosomes isolated from the parasitic protozoon Trichomonas vaginalis. Metronidazole reduction was driven by pyruvate, but progressive damage to the radical generating system was observed. Quenching of signals due to metronidazole radicals by chromium oxalate suggests that the radicals generated within the organelle can cross the hydrogenosomal membrane into the external medium. Even if a similar process of radical migration occurs in vivo, it seems likely that intrahydrogenosomal damage may explain drug action.
在厌氧条件下，利用电子自旋共振光谱法，在从寄生原生动物阴道毛滴虫分离出的完整氢化酶体悬浮液中检测到了抗滴虫药物甲硝唑的硝基自由基阴离子。丙酮酸驱动甲硝唑还原，但观察到自由基产生系统逐渐受损。草酸铬对甲硝唑自由基信号的淬灭表明，细胞器内产生的自由基可以穿过氢化酶体膜进入外部介质。即使体内发生类似的自由基迁移过程，氢化酶体内的损伤似乎也可能解释药物的作用机制。
