The application of ultrasounds for detection of scavenging of superoxide anions by drugs.

In aqueous solutions ultrasounds are known to generate oxygen free radicals. Here we report that ferricytochrome c and nitroblue tetrazolium when sonificated in 1% ethanolic buffered solutions are reduced predominantly in a SOD-inhibitable manner. Aqueous solutions of adrenaline undergo oxidation when exposed to ultrasounds. Therefore, it seems that in the presence of ethanol or adrenaline ultrasounds generate substantial amounts of superoxide anions along with other free radicals. We have tried to adapt ultrasound technique for detection of scavenging of superoxide anions by a metabolite of molsidomine, SIN-1 and flavonoids. In the presence of SIN-1 reduction of indicators by superoxide anions generated by ultrasounds was prevented. In the case of quercetin we failed to detect this property because ultrasounds were found to transform native flavonoids into oxidized derivatives.