[Superoxide dismutase activity and methemoglobin content of human and animal erythrocytes].

In healthy newborn babies, superoxide dismutase activity and MetHb content of the erythrocytes are higher than those in adult subjects. It was also demonstrated that low activity of superoxide dismutase in guinea pigs, albino mice and teleost fish Coregonus autumnalis (in autumn period) is paralleled by a higher level of MetHb. On the contrary, high enzymic activity in albino rats and C. autumnalis (spring period) accounts of a lower level of MetHb. Seasonal changes in the activity of superoxide dismutase were found in guinea pigs and fish.