We describe the synthesis and biological applications of a novel nitrogen-15-labeled nitrone spin trap, 5-ethoxycarbonyl-5-methyl-1-pyrroline N-oxide ([15N]EMPO) for detecting superoxide anion. Superoxide anion generated in xanthine/xanthine oxidase (100 nM min−1) and NADPH/calcium-calmodulin/nitric oxide synthase systems was readily detected using EMPO, a nitrone analog of 5,5′-dimethyl-1-pyrroline N-oxide (DMPO). Unlike DMPO-superoxide adduct (DMPO–OOH), the superoxide adduct of EMPO (EMPO–OOH) does not spontaneously decay to the corresponding hydroxyl adduct, making spectral interpretation less confounding. Although the superoxide adduct of 5-(diethoxyphosphoryl)-5-methyl-pyrroline N-oxide is more persistent than EMPO–OOH, the electron spin resonance spectra of [14N]EMPO–OOH and [15N]EMPO–OOH are less complex and easier to interpret. Potential uses of [15N]EMPO in elucidating the mechanism of superoxide formation from nitric oxide synthases, and in ischemia/reperfusion injury are discussed.
