Assessment of Nitrones as In Vivo Redox Sensors

Spin traps such as 5,5-dimethyl-1-pyrroline N-oxide, α-phenyl-tert-butyl nitrone, α-(4-pyridyl-1-oxide)-N-tert-butyl nitrone and newer generation 5-(diethoxyphosphoryl)-5-methyl-1-pyrroline N-oxide analogs have been known for years. What are the desired properties of good probes for measuring in vivo redox reactions in biological systems? These are specificity, sensitivity, rapid, high yield kinetics, low toxicity, high stability and easy to administer and target. Unfortunately, the nitrones perform poorly in almost all of these categories. Typical in vivo concentrations of spin trap approach 100 mM (assuming solubility and toxicity are not an issue), frequently yield 1% nitroxide or less stoichiometry, are typically unstable with time and frequently lack specificity. In vivo electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) experiments need to have strong signals that correlate with redox chemistry. The resultant signal should be stable and not rapidly interconvert to other diamagnetic species. Fortunately, some newer probes of in vivo redox reactions in biological systems have come upon the horizon. In fact some have been around for a long time, but their virtues are becoming increasingly appreciated. This paper summarizes the disadvantages of nitrones versus the clear advantages of other probes of free radicals, redox state and the like by EPR. It also expands on the properties of nitroxides and nitrones as therapeutics.