Copper-induced GSH depletion and methaemoglobin formation in vitro in erythrocytes of some domestic animals and man. A comparative study.

Reduced glutathione (GSH), per cent methaemoglobin and haemolysis were measured in physiologic saline suspensions of erythrocytes from sheep, goat, cattle, horse, swine and man; incubated for 24 hours at 37 degrees with and without copper sulphate (0,5 and 10 micrograms Cu/ml suspension). Formation of Heinz bodies was studied in similar experiments with sheep and swine cells only. Generally, GSH depletion developed first, followed by methaemoglobinemia and Heinz bodies, while haemolysis was limited. Both spontaneous and copper-induced GSH depletion was slow in swine erythrocytes compared to other species. Copper-induced methaemoglobin formation was less in cells from man and swine than from ruminants and horse. Furnishing the suspensions with 3 mg glucose/ml counteracted GSH and haemoglobin oxidation substantially in cells from all species except swine.