Lipid peroxidation in rats intoxicated with 3-nitropropionic acid.

Using an electron spin resonance technique, free radical signals were observed to be increased in liver of rats 15, 30 and 45 min after orally dosing with 80 mg/kg 3-nitropropionic acid (3-NPA). Concentrations of 3-NPA from 595 to 2380 mg/litre enhanced the formation of adrenochrome from adrenaline in mitochondria and microsome suspensions of liver and brain. The activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX) as well as the content of malonidialdehyde (MDA) were significantly increased in liver of rats dosed with 80 mg/kg 3-NPA. There was also a cerebral increase of activity of SOD and content of MDA. These results suggest that 3-NPA is able to produce lipid peroxidation both in vivo and in vitro.