Superoxide Dismutase and Radiation-induced Haemolysis: No Benefit of Its Increased Content in Red Cells

Abstract

The sensitivity of human erythrocytes with normal and increased activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) was compared under different types of oxidative stress. Red blood cells with increased SOD activity were more resistant to haemolysis induced by photoactivated riboflavin but no more resistant to radiation-induced haemolysis and acetylphenylhydrazine stress. These results indicate a negligible role of O(2) in mediation of the haemolytic action of ionizing radiation.