Iron induction of lipid peroxidation and effects on antioxidative enzyme activities in rice leaves

Lipid peroxidation in relation to toxicity of detached rice leaves caused by excess iron (FeSO4) was investigated. Excess FeSO4 which was observed to induce toxicity, enhanced the content of lipid peroxidation but not the content of H2O2. Superoxide dismutase activity was reduced by excess FeSO4. Ascorbate peroxidase and glutathione reductase activities were increased by excess FeSO4. Free radical scavengers, such as mannitol and reduced glutathione, inhibited excess iron-induced toxicity and at the same time inhibited excess iron-enhanced lipid peroxidation, suggesting that lipid peroxidation enhanced by excess iron is mediated through free radicals.