Effects of salicylic acid on heavy metal-induced membrane deterioration mediated by lipoxygenase in rice

Deterioration of membranes caused by lipoxygenase (LOX) activity under 10 mu M PbCl2 or 10 mu M HgCl2 was partially alleviated by the exogenous application of 100 mu M salicylic acid (SA). In two cultivars of rice (Oryza sativa L. cvs. Ratna and LR 36), the presence of SA ameliorated the increased leakage of electrolytes, injury index, and the content of malondialdehyde caused by these heavy metals. Lead decreased H2O2 content whereas Hg increased it in both cultivars. Application of SA increased H2O2 in presence of Pb, while decreased it in presence of Hg. Both Pb and Hg decreased superoxide dismutase activity, while increased peroxidase activity. The activity of catalase was decreased by Hg but increased by Pb and SA reversed their effects. Thus, SA ameliorated the damaging effects of Pb and Hg on membranes.