[Effect of melanin on the free-radical states of gamma-irradiated proteins and lipids].

It was shown that the concentration of paramagnetic centres of dihydroxyphenylalanine-melanin increased after gamma-irradiation (60Co) both at room temperature (an irreversible increase) and at 77 K (a reversible increase). The accumulation of paramagnetic centres in gamma-irradiated albumin at room temperature was found to slow down appreciably in the presence of melanin. This effect is thought to be associated with the antiradical activity of the pigment.