Oxidative Injury to Human Red Cells by Copper Sulfate

摘要

In vitro experiments suggest that prolonged exposure of red cells to high concentrations of copper sulfate produces red cell injury analogous to that which occurs when cells deficient in glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) are exposed to oxidant compounds. By enzyme inhibition and acceleration of auto-oxidation, cupric ion in excess limits the ability of the red cell to maintain normal amounts of reduced glutathione (GSH) and at the same time increases the oxidant stress in the cell by release of H2O2. By this means copper poisoning alone could lead to hemolysis but would be even more hazardous if it occurred in persons genetically deficient in G6PD, glutathione reductase, or glutathione peroxidase, or in persons receiving drugs capable of generating hydrogen peroxide. (Author)