Oxidizability of cysteine and short cysteine-containing peptides by molecular oxygen

Abstract

Rate of oxidation of cysteine, gamma-glutamylcysteine, cysteinylglycine and reduced glutathione by molecular oxygen has been studied polarographically in alkaline buffers by following the time changes in anodic and cathodic limiting currents of the SH- and SS-groups, respectively. Oxidation of thiols proceeds considerably faster in-contact with metallic mercury. Obtained results have been supported by Raman spectroscopy measurements.