Superoxide radicals in the metabolism of the red cell.
The formation of O2- radicals as primary products of O2 reduction by human erythrocytes is demonstrated. O2- radicals react directly with GSH and OxyHb as 1e-donors forming GSSG and MetHb. After exhaustion of the glutathione system MetHb increases greatly and secondary radicals formation ensues with breakdown of Hb. The toxicity of O2- radicals is caused mainly by secondary radicals.
D004050:Ditiocarb / Q000494:pharmacology; D004912:Erythrocytes / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism*; D005978:Glutathione / Q000097:blood; D006801:Humans; D007700:Kinetics; D013481:Superoxides / Q000097:blood*
D013481:Superoxides; D004050:Ditiocarb; D005978:Glutathione