Effects of sulfhydryl compounds on the inhibition of erythrocyte membrane Na+(-)K+ ATPase by ozone

Exposure of human erythrocyte membranes to ozone (5 mumol/10 min) resulted in the inhibition of erythrocyte membrane Na+(-)K+ ATPase (EC.3.6.1.39). It was determined that, the degree of enzyme inhibition in the directly ozone exposed membranes was greater than that of membranes obtained from ozone exposed intact erythrocytes. In the presence of varying concentrations (0-1.0 mM) of dithiotrethiol or mercaptoethanol Na+(-)K+ ATPase activities of both types of ozone exposed membranes were increased almost proportionally with the concentration of dithiotrethiol or mercaptoethanol however, the activities were still lower than the normal Na+(-)K+ ATPase value. The results indicate that, dithiotrethiol or mercaptoethanol prevent the enzyme inhibition by ozone in vitro. This suggests that the membrane thiol groups are primary targets for ozone and thereby preventing the oxidation of essential functional groups of enzyme protein.