The significance of free radicals and free radical scavengers in L1210 leukemia.

Abstract

L1210 leukemia is a murine leukemia which is associated with anemia and marked neutrophilia. In order to determine the significance of free radicals (FR) in this disorder, we determined the presence and localization of free radical scavengers (FRS) and scavenger-like systems in L1210 leukemia cells obtained in vivo and from in vitro cultures. FR are metabolized or detoxified by certain FRS such as glutathione (GSH and GSSG), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and enzymes such as epoxide hydrolase (EH). In all cases specific fractions of L1210 cells, bone marrow and liver were examined for FR/FRS levels. Reduced (GSH) and oxidized (GSSG) glutathione were measured fluorometerically using o-opthalaldehyde (OPT). SOD was determined colorimetrically utilizing pyrogallol by substrate autolysis inhibition, and EH was determined by utilizing [3H] styrene oxide as a substrate. Ratios of GSH/GSSG in fractions prepared from in vivo and in vitro L1210 cells showed a predominance of GSH-reductase with the highest activity in mitochondria (ratio = 15 vs. 10). Normal liver showed a similar pattern whereas, leukemic liver showed altered GSH/GSSG ratios in mitochrondria and microsomes. Leukemic bone marrow showed a predominance of GSH-reductase in all fractions. EH activity was highest in microsomal fractions obtained from L1210 cells grown in vitro and found to become increased in both the mitrochondrial (100%) and microsomal (200%) fractions when cells were exposed to retinoic acid (RA) in culture. SOD activity in the cytosolic (21.2 U SOD/mg) and mitochondrial (12 U SOD/mg) fractions whereas, leukemic liver showed a significant decrease in activity in all fractions compared to normals. SOD was determined in fractions taken from L1210 cells in vivo and in vitro. Results demonstrated detectable but reduced SOD activity in the L1210 cell fractions as contrasted with liver activity. Results from these studies indicate that certain FRS systems are functional in L1210 leukemic animals. Furthermore, variations in the ratios or levels may be of significance in the leukemic and hematological states.