Effect of O(2)/O(3) atmosphere on the rate of osmotic hemolysis of bovine erythrocytes in the presence of some antioxidants.

Purified red blood cells, exposed to an ozone atmosphere, show an increased rate of hemolysis on sudden osmotic stress. To determine this effect of ozone in the presence of natural antioxidants, bovine red blood cells, used as models, were suspended in blood plasma, or in physiological saline with one of the following antioxidants: albumin, glutathione, uric acid, glucose and a vitamin E analog (trolox). After exposure of the suspensions to oxygen and oxygen/ozone atmospheres the rates of osmotic hemolysis were measured, using a stop-flow technique, and compared with rates measured in air-exposed controls. Blood plasma, containing all natural antioxidants, caused a decreased rate of osmotic hemolysis of cells exposed to oxygen and also decreased the effect of ozone. Trolox cancelled the oxygen effects only. Albumin, glutathione and uric acid tended to protect the cells from the hemolytic effects of ozone. The antihemolytic effect of glucose, seen only in some samples, may depend on uncontrolled factors. The alteration of the rates correlates with an increased fluidity of red cell membranes exposed to ozone.