SPIN-TRAPPING OF METHYL RADICAL IN THE OXIDATIVE-METABOLISM OF 1,2-DIMETHYLHYDRAZINE

A carbon-centered free radical formed during oxidative metabolism of 1,2-dimethylhydrazine was spin-trapped with .alpha.-(4-pyridyl-1-oxide)N-tert-butyl nitrone and 2-methyl-2-nitrosopropane. In the horseradish peroxidase/H2O2 catalyzed oxidation, the trapped species was identified as the methyl radical by the characteristic 1:3:3:1 quartet pattern of the 2-methyl-2-nitroso propane adduct. A carbon-centered radical is also formed during microsomal oxidation of 1,2-dimethylhydrazine in the presence of NADPH. The .alpha.-(4-pyridyl-1-oxide)N-tert-butyl nitrone trapped radical was not unambiguously identified in this latter instance. These results may be of importance in regard to both carcinogenic and antitumor properties of 1,2-disubstituted hydrazine derivatives.