HBED, or hydroxybenzyl ethylenediamine, is a potent iron chelating compound. Through complexation with ferric ions, HBED is described to facilitate Fe(II) oxidation and to block O2(.-)-induced reduction of Fe(III), consequently blocking the Fe-mediated formation of hydroxyl radicals. HBED has been utilized as a tool for studying the involvement of hydroxyl radicals in cellular processes. HBED has specifically demonstrated to inhibit H2O2-induced apoptosis in neutrophils, suggesting participation of hydroxyl radicals in the mediation of neutrophilic apoptosis.
