TY - JOUR T1 - Microsomal reduction of gentian violet. Evidence for cytochrome P-450-catalyzed free radical formation. JF - Molecular Pharmacology JO - Mol Pharmacol SP - 239 LP - 242 VL - 22 IS - 2 AU - W G Harrelson, Jr AU - R P Mason Y1 - 1982/09/01 UR - http://molpharm.aspetjournals.org/content/22/2/239.abstract N2 - The triarylmethane dye, gentian violet, is shown to undergo a one-electron reduction by the cytochrome P-450 monooxygenase system to produce a carbon-centered free radical as demonstrated by direct electron spin resonance techniques. The formation of this species is inhibited by carbon monoxide and metyrapone, suggesting the involvement of cytochrome P-450. Either NADPH or NADH can serve as a source of reducing equivalents for the production of this free radical. Related triarylmethane dyes are also shown to be reduced by the monooxygenase system to form free radicals. ER -