Title
Ultrasound-mediated release of iron from ferritin
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
1-1-2003
Abstract
We investigated the release of iron from ferritin in aqueous solutions exposed to high-frequency ultrasound (US). Our data suggests that superoxide produced as a result of ultrasonic cavitation acts as a reducing agent, enabling the release of iron from ferritin. We also found that the release of ferritin iron during US exposure is enhanced by the addition of 5-hydroxy-1,4-naphthoquinone. We hypothesize that this quinone is ultrasonically transformed into a semiquinone radical capable of directly and indirectly reducing Fe3+ in ferritin to soluble Fe2+. Our proposed mechanism for the release of iron from ferritin adds new insight to the synergistic effect of quinone-containing cancer drugs with US. © 2003 World Federation for Ultrasound in Medicine & Biology.
Publication Source (Journal or Book title)
Ultrasound in Medicine and Biology
First Page
1799
Last Page
1803
Recommended Citation
Morrissey, J., Taylor, K., & Gilman, S. (2003). Ultrasound-mediated release of iron from ferritin. Ultrasound in Medicine and Biology, 29 (12), 1799-1803. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ultrasmedbio.2003.08.021