The effect of vitamin E on NO2 induced redox changes in the human erythrocyte

Human erythrocytes admixed with vitamin E supplements (50 mug/ml) were exposed to NO2 in concentrations of 200-600 p.p.m. at 37 degrees C for 2 h. No protective effect against the increase in the redox ratio [NAD+]/[NADH]normally produced by NO2 was observed. It is postulated that NO2 increases the redox ratio by a mechanism independent of that producing hemolysis and prevented by vitamin E. This may involve alteration of NADH dependent enzymes by NO2.