Reduction of extracellular methemoglobin by erythrocytes

Erythrocytes, suspended in a glucose-containing buffer, catalyzed the partial reduction of extracellular methemoglobin. Physiological concentrations of ascorbic acid or dehydroascorbic acid greatly enhanced the rate of reaction and the ultimate extent of reduction. The relationship between erythrocyte concentration and initial reaction rate was nonlinear, which suggested that the rate limiting factor was not an erythrocyte membrane enzyme. Also, significant dehydroascorbate-stimulated reduction occurred even when the erythrocytes and methemoglobin were separated by a dialysis membrane. The above observations indicate that the transfer of reducing equivalents across the erythrocyte membrane and reduction of extracellular methemoglobin can be accomplished by release and recycling of ascorbic acid.