Erythrocyte Glutathione Peroxidase Content and Serum Tocopherol Levels in Newborn Infants

Abstract

S ummary Two methods for the determination of glutathione peroxidase (GSH‐Px) activity have been compared and the overall superiority of a linked‐enzyme system has been confirmed. The erythrocyte GSH‐Px activity was measured in 120 newborn infants and compared with older children and adults. A definite deficiency of the enzyme was found in the former group, but could not be related to evidence of haemolysis. A relationship between serum tocopherol levels and erythrocyte GSH‐Px was found and the possible implications are discussed.