Hemolysis caused by polyoxyethylene-derived surfactants. Evidence for peroxide participation.

The hemolytic properties of nonionic surfactants of the series CH3(CH2)15-17-O-(CH2CH2O)nCH2CH2OH were investigated and compared to those of saponins, sapogenins and H2O2. Antioxidants and anaerobic conditions were shown to inhibit the hemolysis, while glycyrrhizin was found to enhance it. Similar effects were obtained for H2O2 hemolysis, but not for saponin and sapogenin hemolysis. It is proposed that peroxides and free radicals are mainly responsible for the polyoxyethylene derived surfactants induced hemolysis.