On the mechanism of the pseudocatalatic degradation of hydrogen peroxide by lactoperoxidase/iodide.

Hydrogen peroxide is catalytically disproportionated by lactoperoxidase in the presence of iodide ions, Km = 55 microM in 100 mM sodium phosphate, pH 7.00, 25 degrees C. Products formed are water and molecular oxygen. The reaction is competitively inhibited by hydrogen sulfite, Ki = 0.24 mM in 100 mM sodium phosphate, pH 7.00, 25 degrees C. The stoichiometry of the reaction is identical with the corresponding catalase reaction but the mechanism differs. A mechanistic model for lactoperoxidase-iodide dismutation of hydrogen peroxide is discussed.