POBN

POBN is a cell permeable, hydrophilic spin trap that can be used to detect free radical adducts [1].

Free radicals are created as a consequence of ATP production by the mitochondria, most commons forms of which are reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS). At low concentrations, ROS and RNS exhibit beneficial effects on cellular responses and immune function. However, at high concentrations, ROS and RNS trigger oxidative stress, a deleterious process that can damage all cell structures [2].

POBN, when used as a spin trap at the concentration of 50 mM for determination of pentachlorophenoxyl (PCP) radicals, demonstrated identical electron spin resonance (ESR) spectra using natural abundance isotopically-labeled PCP versus ¹³C-labeled PCP [1].

In rats poisoned by sodium formate, POBN (i.p. at 1.5 g/kg) adducted to free radical metabolites in the bile, showed strong and clear ESR signal [3]. In rats chronically exposed to alcohol, POBN (1 g/kg intravenously) were used for detection of alpha-hydroxyethyl free radical adducts in the pancreas [4].

References:

[1]. Samokyszyn V M, Freeman J P, Maddipati K R, et al. Peroxidase-catalyzed oxidation of pentachlorophenol. Chemical Research in Toxicology, 1995, 8(3): 349-355.

[2]. Pham-Huy L A, He H, Pham-Huy C. Free radicals, antioxidants in disease and health. International Journal of Biomedical Science, 2008, 4(2): 89-96.

[3]. Dikalova A E, Kadiiska M B, Mason R P. An in vivo ESR spin-trapping study: free radical generation in rats from formate intoxication--role of the Fenton reaction. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, 2001, 98(24): 13549-13553.

[4]. Iimuro Y, Bradford B U, Gao W, et al. Detection of alpha-hydroxyethyl free radical adducts in the pancreas after chronic exposure to alcohol in the rat. Molecular Pharmacology, 1996, 50(3): 656-661.