Inhibition of collagen gelation by action of the superoxide radical

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Abstract
Superoxide anion, a highly reactive free radical, was generated in vitro using enriched purified xanthine oxidase. Collagen solutions exposed to superoxide radical failed to gel normally when heated to 37°C. The magnitude of the inhibition of gelation was proportional to duration of exposure and to flux of superoxide. Since inhibition of collagen gelation reflects alteration of collagen biochemistry, and/or collagen degradation, it is suggested that the action of free radicals produced in vivo by leukocytes may adversely affect the structural or functional integrity of cartilage and adjacent joint structures.