Effect of oxidant agents on normal and G6PD-deficient erythrocytes.

The effects of several oxidant agents on metabolic and membrane parameters of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficient erythrocytes (Mediterranean type) were examined in order to explore a possible common mechanism for their action on the deficient cells. The increase in methemoglobin and the decrease in GSH levels elicited by e oxidants were more pronounced in the deficient cells, provided glucose was present during the incubation of the cells with the drugs. However, glucose did not differentially modify other parameters: ATP level, filterability and osmotic fragility. There was no correlation between the effects produced by the oxidants on various parameters in either normal or deficient cells. It is concluded that in terms of the parameters studied more than one mechanism for the effects of the oxidants on cells should be assumed.