Action of free radical generating systems upon the biological and immunological properties of caeruloplasmin.

Exposure of human caeruloplasmin, an acute phase protein with antioxidant properties, to a mixture of xanthine/hypoxanthine and xanthine oxidase as a source of reactive oxygen intermediates decreased its ferroxidase and ascorbate oxidase activities and its ability to inhibit lipid peroxidation. Immunological reactivity was also altered. Exposure to hydrogen peroxide mimicked these effects. Exposure to low-intensity u.v. irradiation depressed caeruloplasmin's ability to inhibit iron-catalysed hyaluronic acid degradation. The results may explain the mechanism of the observed inactivation of caeruloplasmin within human rheumatoid synovial fluid.