Tridentate chelate ligands of 2,6-bis[hydroxy(methyl)amino]-1,3,5-triazine family rapidly release ironfrom human recombinant ferritin in the presence of oxygen. The reaction is inhibited by superoxide dismutase, catalase, mannitol and urea. Suggested reaction mechanism involves reduction of the ferritiniron core by superoxide anion, diffusion of iron(II) cations outside the ferritin shell, and regeneration