Antioxidant protection against free radicals is reduced in fetal plasma after intrauterine red blood cell transfusion.
After intrauterine transfusion for red cell alloimmunization, a 2- to 20-fold increase of plasma Hb, a strong pro-oxidant, was observed. The increase of fetal plasma Hb after transfusion leads to a highly significant reduction of plasma antioxidant capacity, measured as the peroxyl radical trapping capacity. Consequently, the posttransfusion reduced antioxidant protection may enhance the peroxidation of lipids in e.g. donor erythrocyte membranes, leading to the shortened life span of these cells in the fetus.
Egberts
Johannes
J
Department of Obstetrics, Division Neonatology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands. j.egberts@lumc.nl
Luykx
Lucille M
LM
Berger
Howard M
HM
D000975:Antioxidants / Q000378:metabolism*; D001782:Blood Donors; D001805:Blood Transfusion, Intrauterine / Q000009:adverse effects*; D002470:Cell Survival; D004910:Erythrocyte Membrane / Q000378:metabolism; D017707:Erythrocyte Transfusion / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004912:Erythrocytes / Q000502:physiology; D005312:Fetal Blood; D005609:Free Radicals / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors*; D006454:Hemoglobins / Q000032:analysis; D006801:Humans; D015227:Lipid Peroxidation; D012203:Rh Isoimmunization / Q000097:blood / Q000628:therapy*
D000975:Antioxidants; D005609:Free Radicals; D006454:Hemoglobins