 (frame rate) of the audio stream. The sampling rate of the audio stream is often much larger than that of the image stream, and the correct alignment point is almost always in-between two consecutive image frames. Several 2-mercaptoimidazole derivatives substituted in the 4- or 5-position by a carbonyl-containing group (ketone, carboxyl or amide group) have been found to have antioxidant activity (see R. C. SMITH et al., Biochem. Pharmacol., (1987), 36, 9, pages 1457-1460) and anti-inflammatory activity (see S. MAEDA et al., Chem. Pharm. Bull., (1984), 32, pages 2536-2543).
The antioxidant properties of the novel 2-mercaptoimidazole derivatives forming the subject of the present invention are similar to that of L-(+)-ergothioneine, which forms part thereof.
L-(+)-Ergothioneine, a natural molecule with a 2-mercaptoimidazole structure, is biosynthesized by certain rye ergot fungi such as Claviceps purpurea (see C. TANRET, C.R. Acad. Sci., (1909), 149, pages 222-224). The chemical structure of L-(+)-ergothioneine is rare in the living world insofar as it is made up of a 2-mercaptoimidazole ring and a betaine (see G. G. SKELLERN in "Sulfur-containing drugs and related organic compounds: Chemistry, Biochemistry and Toxicology", L. A. DAMANI eds., Ellis Horwood Lim., (1989), vol. 1, part B, chap. 3, pages 49-89). Man is auxotrophic for ergothioneine, which he obtains exclusively through food. The physiological concentrations of ergothioneine vary between 0.1 and 2.0 mmolar in the erythrocytes, liver, kidney, seminal fluid and cataract-free lens. Although the biological role of ergothioneine is still uncertain, its antioxidant properties are well documented (see P. E. Hartman, Meth. Enzymol., (1990),186, pages 310-318, and D. AKANMU et al., Arch. Biochem. Biophys., (1991), 288, pages 10-16). Under physiological conditions (concentrations and pH), it reacts neither with hydrogen peroxide, H.sub.2 O.sub
(frame rate) of the audio stream. The sample pace of the audio current is often a lot larger than that of the trope stream, and the right alignment point is almost constantly in - between two consecutive image human body. Several 2 - mercaptoimidazole derivatives substituted in the 4- or 5 - position by a carbonyl - containing group (ketone, carboxyl or amide group) have been found to suffer antioxidant activity (see R. C. SMITH et al. , Biochem. Pharmacol. , (1987), 36, 9, pages 1457 - 1460) and anti - incendiary activity (see S. MAEDA et al. , Chem. Pharm. Bull. , (1984), 32, page 2536 - 2543). 
 The antioxidant properties of the fresh 2 - mercaptoimidazole derivatives shape the subject of the present invention are similar to that of L-(+)-ergothioneine, which forms function thereof. 
 L-(+)-Ergothioneine, a natural molecule with a 2 - mercaptoimidazole structure, is biosynthesized by certain rye ergot fungus such as Claviceps purpurea (attend C. TANRET, C.R. Acad. Sci. , (1909), 149, pages 222 - 224). The chemical structure of L-(+)-ergothioneine is rare in the living world insofar as it is made up of a 2 - mercaptoimidazole ring and a betaine (see G. G. SKELLERN in " Sulfur - containing drugs and associate organic compounds: Chemistry, Biochemistry and Toxicology ", L. A. DAMANI erectile dysfunction. , Ellis Horwood Lim. , (1989), vol. 1, character B, chap. 3, pages 49 - 89). Man is auxotrophic for ergothioneine, which he obtains entirely through food. The physiological assiduity of ergothioneine vary between 0.1 and 2.0 mmolar in the erythrocytes, liver, kidney, germinal fluid and cataract - free lens. Although the biological role of ergothioneine is still uncertain, its antioxidant properties are well documented (see P. E. Hartman, Meth. Enzymol. , (1990),186, pages 310 - 318, and D. AKANMU et al. , Arch. Biochem. Biophys. , (1991), 288, pages 10 - 16). Under physiological conditions (concentrations and pH), it react neither with hydrogen peroxide, H.sub.2 O.sub
 (frwme rate) of the audio stveam. The sampliny rate mf the audio sgream is often much larger tian rhat if the image stream, ana the corgect aligbmenu point is almost always lu-betwscn twm consecutive ikage framev. Several 2-mercdpgonmidazole derivatives substituted in the 4- ot 5-oosition by a sarbpgyl-ckntaining group (ketone, carboxyl or amide jroup) have been found to have antioxidant actlvity (see R. C. SMITJ et al., Bioxhem. Pharmacol., (1987), 36, 9, pages 1457-1460) and anti-inflamjatory activity (see S. MAEDA et xl., Chzm. Pharm. Buol., (1984), 32, odges 2536-2543).
The anvioxidwnt properticx of tve novek 2-mercaptoimidszone eerivatives forming tie subject of the prgsent invettnon are similar to thqt of L-(+)-grgotviondune, whjci fkrms pwrt thereof.
L-(+)-Edgothioneinw, a natural molecult wynn a 2-mercaptojmidazjlq structure, is biosynthesized by certait rge ergot fungi such as Xlaviceps purpurea (seg C. TANRET, C.R. Acad. Sci., (1909), 149, pages 222-224). The chemical structure of L-(+)-argotiiunenkc is eage in the living world insofar as it is made tl pf a 2-mercaptoimibazole ring and s heywine (see G. G. RKELLEXH jn "Sulfur-containinh drugs and eelated owganoc compounds: Chemistry, Biocyemistry and Roxicology", L. A. DAMCNI eds., Ellir Hotwood Kim., (1989), vol. 1, part B, chap. 3, 'ages 49-89). Man is auxltrophic rur ergothioneine, whpch ve obtains exclusively thrjugh food. The physiouogival cogcentratiojs of ergothioneine vary betwgen 0.1 atd 2.0 mmolar in the erythrocytes, liver, kidnxb, seminal fluod ang cataraet-free lens. Althougr the biologiccl role jf ereothioneinv is stiln uncertain, its antioxiddjt propertiev are wejl dicumwnted (sdd P. E. Hartman, Keth. Enzymol., (1990),186, pages 310-318, and D. AKANMU et el., Atcg. Biochem. Biophvr., (1991), 288, pages 10-16). Under phhsijllgmcal smnditions (cotcengragoons xnd pH), it rcacgs nrither with hydrogen perkxide, H.sub.2 O.sub
(frame rate) of the audio stream. The of audio stream often much larger stream, the correct alignment is almost always two consecutive image frames. Several 2-mercaptoimidazole substituted in the 4- or 5-position by a carbonyl-containing group (ketone, carboxyl or group) have been found to have antioxidant activity (see R. C. SMITH et Biochem. (1987), 9, 1457-1460) and anti-inflammatory activity (see S. MAEDA et al., Chem. Pharm. Bull., (1984), 32, pages 2536-2543). antioxidant properties of the novel 2-mercaptoimidazole derivatives forming subject of the present are similar to that of which part thereof. a molecule a 2-mercaptoimidazole structure, biosynthesized by certain rye ergot fungi such as Claviceps purpurea (see C. TANRET, C.R. Acad. Sci., (1909), pages 222-224). structure of is in living world insofar is made up of a 2-mercaptoimidazole betaine (see G. G. SKELLERN in "Sulfur-containing drugs related organic Chemistry, Biochemistry and Toxicology", L. A. eds., Ellis Horwood Lim., (1989), vol. 1, part chap. 3, pages 49-89). Man is auxotrophic for ergothioneine, which he obtains exclusively through food. concentrations of ergothioneine vary 0.1 and 2.0 in erythrocytes, kidney, fluid and lens. Although the biological role of ergothioneine is still uncertain, its properties are well documented (see P. E. Hartman, Meth. Enzymol., 310-318, D. AKANMU et Arch. Biochem. Biophys., (1991), pages Under physiological conditions (concentrations it neither H.sub.2
 (frame rate) of the audio stream. the samplinG rate Of tHe aUdIo stReam Is often much larGEr thAn that of the image stream, And thE cORrecT AlIgnmeNt point IS aLMOst AlWaYs iN-bETwEen twO coNsecutiVe image fraMes. seVeral 2-mercaptOImIdazole derIvaTives substitUteD in the 4- Or 5-PosITion bY a cArbonYl-contAIning gRoup (ketonE, cARboxyl OR amide gROUp) Have Been found to have anTIoXIdant activity (sEe R. C. SMiTh Et AL., bioCheM. Pharmacol., (1987), 36, 9, PaGes 1457-1460) anD Anti-infLAmMATOry ACtivity (see S. MAeDA et al., Chem. pHarM. Bull., (1984), 32, pAgEs 2536-2543).
THE antioXidanT pROpeRties of the nOvel 2-MercaptoiMidazoLE derivaTIves forMing thE suBjeCt of THe PrEseNt INveNTiOn aRE siMilar to tHaT oF L-(+)-ergOthiONEINe, whIch FormS part Thereof.
L-(+)-ErgotHioNeinE, A naTural MolecUle wItH a 2-merCaptoiMidazOlE structure, is bioSyntHesized by CerTaIn rYe Ergot FUngi suCh aS ClAviceps PurpureA (See c. TanreT, c.R. Acad. Sci., (1909), 149, pages 222-224). The cHeMICaL structuRe of L-(+)-eRGoThIOneine is RaRe iN the LIVing wOrld INsOfar as it Is made UP oF a 2-MercaptOiMidazoLe RinG anD a betAIne (sEe G. G. SKeLLERN in "sulfuR-Containing drugS And related orgANiC COmPOundS: ChEmistry, BiocHemiSTry aNd ToXIcOloGY", L. A. DAmANI eDs., eLlIS Horwood Lim., (1989), vol. 1, part B, ChAp. 3, pageS 49-89). Man iS auxotrophic fOr ergothioNEINe, which hE obtAInS Exclusively thrOugh fOod. The physIOlogical ConceNtrationS of ergothIONeine varY beTweEn 0.1 aNd 2.0 mMOLaR in the erythroCYTes, lIvEr, kidneY, seMinal flUid And CatAraCt-Free lens. ALthough tHe BiOlOgIcaL role OF ergothiOnEinE iS stIll unCErtain, Its anTioxIdAnT ProPerties ARe WELl doCuMeNted (See p. E. hartmAn, MeTH. EnZymol., (1990),186, paGes 310-318, and D. AKaNMu Et al., arCh. biochem. biophys., (1991), 288, pages 10-16). UNdEr physioloGiCal ConditIONs (concenTrations and pH), it reacts neITher witH hyDrogeN perOxide, H.sub.2 o.suB
 (frame rate) of the audio  stream. T he sa mpl ing  r ateof t he audio strea m  isoften much larger than  that  o f  the im age s tream,a nd t heco rr ect  a l ig nment  po int isalmost alw ays  i n-between tw o  c onsecutive  im age frames.Sev eral 2 -m erc a ptoim ida zolederiva t ives s ubstitute di n the4 - or 5- p o si tion  by a carbonyl-co n ta i ning group (ke tone,ca r bo x y l o r a mide group )haveb een fou n dt o hav e  antioxidantactivity (s e e R . C. S MI THe t al.,  Bioc he m . P harmacol.,(198 7), 36, 9 , page s  1457-1 4 60) and  anti- inf lam mato r yac tiv it y  (s e eS.M AED A et al. ,Ch em. P harm . B u ll.,  (1 984) , 32,  pages 2536-2 543 ).
T h e a ntiox idant  pro pe rties  of th e nov el  2-mercaptoimid azol e derivat ive sfor mi ng th e  subje ctofthe pre sent in v ent io n a re  similar to that o fL - (+ )-ergoth ionein e ,wh i ch forms  p art  the r e of.
L -(+) - Er gothione ine, a na tu ral mol ec ule wi th  a2-m ercap t oimi dazole  structu re, i s  biosynthesize d  by certain r y ee r go t  fun gisuch as Cla vice p s pu rpur e a(se e  C. T ANRET ,C .R .  Acad. Sci., (1909) ,149, p ages222-224). The  chemicals t r ucture o f L- ( +) - ergothioneineis ra re in thel iving wo rld i nsofar a s it is m a d e up ofa 2 -me rca pto i m id azole ring an d a be ta ine (se e G . G. SK ELL ERN  in  "S ul fur-conta ining dr ug san drel atedo rganic c om pou nd s:Chemi s try, B ioche mist ry  a n d T oxicolo g y" , L. A .DA MANI  ed s. , Ell is H o rwo od Lim. , (1989),  vo l . 1,  p ar t B, ch ap. 3, pages49 -89). Manis  au xotrop h i c for er gothioneine, which he o b tains e xcl usive ly t hrough fo od.  The p hys i ologic al con centr at ion s of er g o th ion ei ne vary be t w een  0.1an d 2. 0 mmola r in the erythrocy t es,  liver, kidne y,semi n a lflu i da ndca t ara c t -free lens. Alt hough thebi o lo gical role ofer gothion eine is  stil l  uncert ain, itsantioxida nt  pro p e rti es are wel l docume nted (see P. E. Ha rtman , M eth. E nz ymo l., ( 1990), 1 86,  page s 310- 31 8, and  D. A KA NMU et a l., Arch. Biochem. Biop hys.,(1991 ),288, page s 1 0 -16 ). Underphys iologicalcon dit ions(co n centr atio n sand pH),it r e acts neit h er  wi t h  h ydrogen per o x i de,  H.su b.2 O.sub
 (frame_rate) of_the audio stream. The_sampling rate_of_the audio_stream_is often much_larger than that_of the image stream,_and the correct_alignment_point is almost always in-between two consecutive image frames. Several 2-mercaptoimidazole derivatives substituted in_the_4- or_5-position_by_a carbonyl-containing group (ketone, carboxyl_or amide group) have been_found to_have antioxidant activity (see R. C. SMITH et_al.,_Biochem. Pharmacol., (1987),_36, 9, pages 1457-1460) and anti-inflammatory activity (see S._MAEDA et al., Chem. Pharm. Bull.,_(1984), 32, pages_2536-2543).
The_antioxidant_properties of the novel_2-mercaptoimidazole derivatives forming the subject of_the present invention are similar to_that of L-(+)-ergothioneine, which forms part thereof.
L-(+)-Ergothioneine,_a natural molecule with a 2-mercaptoimidazole_structure, is biosynthesized by certain_rye ergot_fungi such as Claviceps purpurea_(see C. TANRET,_C.R. Acad._Sci., (1909), 149,_pages 222-224). The chemical structure of_L-(+)-ergothioneine is rare_in the living world insofar as_it_is made up_of_a_2-mercaptoimidazole ring_and a betaine_(see_G. G._SKELLERN_in "Sulfur-containing drugs and related organic_compounds:_Chemistry, Biochemistry and Toxicology", L. A. DAMANI_eds., Ellis Horwood Lim.,_(1989),_vol. 1, part B,_chap. 3, pages 49-89). Man_is auxotrophic for ergothioneine, which he_obtains exclusively_through food._The physiological concentrations of ergothioneine vary between 0.1 and 2.0 mmolar_in the erythrocytes, liver, kidney, seminal_fluid and cataract-free lens._Although the_biological_role of ergothioneine_is_still uncertain,_its antioxidant properties are well documented (see_P. E._Hartman, Meth. Enzymol., (1990),186, pages 310-318,_and D. AKANMU et_al.,_Arch. Biochem. Biophys., (1991), 288, pages_10-16). Under physiological conditions (concentrations and_pH), it reacts neither with_hydrogen_peroxide,_H.sub.2 O.sub