Prevention of Ozonide-Induced Heinz Bodies in human Erythrocytes by Vitamin E

Methyl oleate ozonide, a proposed intermediary in ozone intoxication, produced Heinz body inclusions in human erythrocytes at concentrations of from 10-4 to 2 x 10-3 M. Daily oral supplementation with either 100 mg or 200 mg of D-alpha-tocopheryl acetate prevented Heinz body formation by methyl oleate ozonide. These observations suggest that the protective effects of vitamin E against ozone-produced toxicants occurs in man as well as in animals.