Effect of transition metal ions on lipid peroxidation of rabbit renal cortical mitochondria.

Effect of transition metal ions on lipid peroxidation in rabbit renal cortical mitochondria was studied. The lipid peroxidation of mitochondria was promoted by the metal ions tested in the following order of intensity; Fe2+, Hg2+ and Cu2+. Sodium selenite inhibited Fe2+ or Hg2+-induced lipid peroxidation, but it had no influence on the lipid peroxidation stimulated by Cu2+. This result suggests that the mechanism of the stimulatory effect on lipid peroxidation of Cu2+ may be different from that of Fe2+ or Hg2+ in mitochondria.