Effect of hydrogen peroxide on normal and acatalasemic mouse erythrocytes

OBJECTIVES: Normal and acatalasemic mouse erythrocytes were used to clarify the relationship between oxidative damage in H(2)O(2)-treated erythrocytes and catalase activity. DESIGN & METHODS: Generation of hydrolysis-resistant erythrocytes and hemolysis were examined. The osmotic fragility test, the negative charges and the number of membrane-flickering erythrocytes among the H(2)O(2)-treated erythrocytes were investigated. RESULTS: Small amounts of hydrolysis-resistant mouse erythrocytes were generated by treatment with 0.1 mM H(2)O(2,) and the amount of acatalasemic erythrocytes was larger than untreated controls. Hemolysis in the acatalasemic erythrocytes was observed 30 min after the addition of the H(2)O(2). A drastic increase in hydrolysis-resistant erythrocytes and a loss of membrane proteins in the acatalasemic erythrocytes were found as a result of the addition of 1 mM H(2)O(2). Hemolysis in normal erythrocytes was observed at 3 mM H(2)O(2). CONCLUSIONS: Catalase is a potent H(2)O(2)-scavenger even in acatalasemic mouse erythrocytes. It is concluded that the drastic increase of hydrolysis-resistant erythrocytes is induced by a loss of membrane function and is associated with the low catalase activity in these cells.