biliverdin reductase cycle

Introduction

Cycle regenerating bilirubin oxidized by ROS*

      .----> biliverdin ---.
      |                    |
      |                    |--- NADPH
      |                    |
    ROS*                   | biliverdin
   (H2O2)                  | reductase
      |                    |
      |                    |--> NADP+
      |                    |
       ----- bilirubin <---

* reactive oxygen species, H2O2 in particular

Reducing equivalents provided by NADPH

The bilirubin reductase cycle, a key antioxidant system in the central nervous system, allows a cell to maintain bilirubin at safe levels, yet still efficient as an antioxidant

More general terms

• molecular pathway

Additional terms

• bilirubin
• biliverdin reductase
• biliverdin; biliverdine; dihydrobilirubin