The effect of methyl oleate hydroperoxide, a possible toxic ozone intermediate, on human normal and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase-deficient erythrocytes.

Erythrocytes of both normal and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G-6-PD)-deficient humans responded in a dose-dependent manner to the oxidant stress of methyl oleate hydroperoxide (MOHP) as measured by decreases in G-6-PD activity, increases in methemoglobin (METHB) levels, and decreases in reduced glutathione (GSH). The G-6-PD-deficient erythrocytes displayed a markedly enhanced sensitivity to MOHP-induced decreases in G-6-PD activity and METHB increases while being less sensitive than normal erythrocytes to changes in GSH levels.