[Comparative study of the antioxidant activity of gamma-butyrobetaine and its natural and synthetic derivatives in vitro].

Experiments in vitro with the use of a rat brain homogenate demonstrated antioxidant activity of methyl ether (3(2,2,2-trimethylhydrazinium) propionate possessing a positive charge at the quaternary nitrogen atom. The antioxidant activity was due to intensified neutralization of superoxide anion radicals and, correspondingly, inhibited peroxidation of endogenous brain lipids. The other compounds under study, namely, gamma-butyrobetaine, its methyl ether, and 3(2,2,2-trimethylhydrazine) propionate did not exhibit antioxidant properties.