[Direct measurement of the interaction of carnosine and its analogs with free radicals].

An ESR study of interactions of carnosine and its derivatives with free radicals has been carried out. In model systems the spin trap OH. radical adduct generation has been shown to decrease significantly in the presence of carnosine in a pronounced concentration-dependent manner. A comparative study of effects of some other histidine-containing dipeptides on this process has revealed a similarity in anserine, homocarnosine, and acetylcarnosine actions.