a-Tocopherol Inhibits the Accumulation of Phospholipid Hydroperoxides in Rat Tissues Induced by 2, 2'-azinobis Hydrochloride

The effect of a-tocopherol on the formation and accumulation of phospholipid hydroperoxides, especially of phosphatidylcholine hydroperoxides, in the tissues of 2, 2 -azobis Hydrochloride (AAPH) - dosed rats was investigated. In a-tocopherol supplemented rats, the activities of glutathione peroxidase, catalase and superoxide dismutase were significantly inhibited, compared with the AAPH group. AAPH treatment led to oxidation of phospholipids in the liver, lungs, brain, plasma and red blood cells (RBC), resulting in a notable increase in phosphatidylcholine hydroperoxide (PCOOH). All tissues of the rats given an $\alpha$-tocopherol supplement showed an attenuation of the stimulating effect of AAPH, leading to low levels of formation of PCOOH. Also, the rats injected with AAPH and a-tocopherol showed relatively normal-appearing hepatocytes, except for a little loss of the granules. With regards to the morphological appearance of the liver, it was observed that oral intakes of a -tocopherol resulted in an antioxidant defense against attacks of peroxyl radicals. Thus, we suggest that a-tocopherol is potentially helpful in protecting membrane phospholipids against oxidative damage in vivo.