Abstract
Cystamine slightly stimulated the peroxidation of lipids in mitochondria. Maximal effects were obtained at low concentrations (0.5 m[image]). Cysteamine, when allowed to autoxidize, had much stronger effects than cystamine. Cysteamine and GSH [reduced glutathione] did not induce peroxidation when their autoxidation was counteracted. When kept reduced, cysteamine prevented the ascorbate-induced peroxidation of lipids. GSH was less efficient. Cysteamine as well as cysteamine prevented the loss of proteins from mitochondria induced by ascorbate, whereas cadaverine, GSSG [oxidized glutathione] and GSH were ineffecient.