Polyamines modify paraquat-induced changes in pulmonary superoxide dismutase and lipid peroxidation.

Lungs of rats intoxicated by paraquat either due to parenteral administration or incubation of tissue slices with toxin appear to be responsive to the action of polyamines. Putrescine spermidine and spermine were able to significantly counter paraquat-induced augmentation of lipid peroxidation and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity in the lungs of rats. Non-physiological polyamines like cadaverine and agmatine were also found to diminish peroxidation of lipids as well as SOD activity stimulated by paraquat. The protective action of polyamines could be due to membrane stabilization and prevention from oxidant damage.