Abstract

Reaction of melatonin with the hypervalent iron centre of oxoferryl hemoglobin, produced in aqueous solution from methemoglobin and H2O2, has been investigated at 37°C and pH 7.4, by absorption spectroscopy. The reaction results in reduction of the oxoferryl moiety with formation of a heme-ferric containing hemoprotein. Stopped-flow spectrophotometric measurements provide evidence that the reduction of oxoferryl-Hb by melatonin is first-order in oxoferryl-Hb and first-order in melatonin. The bimolecular reaction constant at pH 7.4 and 37°C is 112 ± 1.0 M-1 s-1.Two major oxidation products from melatonin have been found by gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy: the cyclic compound 1,2,3,3a,8,8a-hexahydro-1-acetyl-5-methoxy-3a-hydroxypyrrolo[2,3-b]indole (cyclic 3-hydroxy-melatonin), and N-acetyl-N′-formyl 5-methoxykynuramine (AFMK). The percentage yield of the two major products appears dependent on the ratio [oxoferryl-Hb]: [melatonin]—the higher the ratio the higher the yield of AFMK. The observed stoichiometry oxoferryl-Hbreduced:melatoninconsumed is 2, when the ratio [oxoferryl-Hb]:[melatonin] is 1:1, but appears >2 at higher molar ratios. The reduction of the hypervalent iron of the oxoferryl moiety may be consistent with an oxidation of melatonin by two one-electron steps.

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.