Abstract:The generation of .OH from Cu,Znroontaining superoxide dismutase (CuZn-SOD) reacting with H2O2 was studied by using deoxyribose degradation method in which deoxyribose reacts with. OH to release TBA-reactive compounds. Cu, ZnSOD could be inactivated by H2O2, during which. OH was produced. Formate and benzoate,scavengers of. OH, could partially protect Cu,Zn-SOD against inaCtivation by H2O2, and could inhibit the generation of. OH from Cu, Zn-SOD reacting with H2O2. Heat inactivated Cu,Zn-SOD could also react with H2O2 to generate. OH, and it was more effective in generating .OH than the active Cu,Zn-SOD. Apoprotein of Cu,ZnSOD did not catalyze .OH generation from H2O2. Zn2+ could hardly react with H2O2 to form 'OH, whereas Cu2+ was highly effective in generating. OH through Fenton reaction. These observations suggest that the generation of. OH from Cu,Zn-SOD reacting with Hood is due to the Fenton reaction between H2O2, and Cu2+ in the active center of Cu,Zn-SOD.