ERYTHROCYTE SUPEROXIDE DISMUTASE AND REDOX ENZYMES IN TRISOMY 21

Abstract

ABSTRACT. The activity of erythrocyte superoxide dismutase in patients with trisomy 21 and controls has been determined by both an enzymatic method and by radioimmunoassay. Increased activity, in a ratio of 1.5 to controls was seen in trisomy 21, while the specific activity of the enzyme was not altered. Of the other enzymes of the redox system, only glutathione peroxidase showed increased activity. These modifications could be one of the causes of the increased haemolysis seen in trisomy 21.