Effects of ascorbic acid on glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase-deficient
erythrocytes: studies in an animal model
T Udomratn, MH Steinberg, GD Campbell and FJ Oelshlegel
There is little information available concerning the possible effects of
ascorbic acid on glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G-6-PD) - deficient
erythrocytes. We therefore studied the survival of G-6-PD- deficient cells,
incubated with ascorbic acid, in rats with partial reticuloendothelial and
complement blockade. Animals were pretreated with ethyl palmitate and cobra
venom factor. They were then transfused with 51Cr-labeled erythrocytes
which had been incubated in the presence or absence of ascorbic acid.
G-6-PD-deficient cells, incubated with ascorbic acid, had impaired survival
when compared to that of controls. G-6-PD-deficient cells, in the absence
of ascorbic acid, had survival times equal to those of normal control
erythrocytes. At the concentrations used, ascorbic acid did not appear to
alter the survival of normal cells. Ascorbic acid causes premature loss of
G-6-PD- deficient human erythrocytes in this rat model. On the basis of
previous clinical and experimental observations, as well as this study,
caution should be used when administering ascorbic acid in large doses to
individuals who might be G-6-PD deficient.
Volume 49,
Issue 3,
pp. 471-475,
03/01/1977
Copyright © 1977 by The American Society of Hematology
