Institute of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
Abstract:
Incubation of human red blood cells with ter-butyl hydroperoxide (tBHP) causes depletion of GSH and the production of highly reactive oxygen derivatives, notably hydroxyl (OH?) radicals, followed by lysis of the cells. These effects are related to the formation of methemoglobin (MetHb), which catalyzes the homolytic cleavage of tBHP to form OH? radicals. Lysis of red blood cells is the result of lipid peroxidation of membrane components and formation of protein aggregates and is enhanced if the tBHP-treated cells are resuspended in autologous plasma or serum. The tBHP-treated cells provide a useful model for analysis of the sequence of events in oxidative hemolysis.