Effects of blood storage on red cell antioxidative systems

The activities of the antioxidative enzymes superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase and the concentration of reduced glutathione were determined in CPD-adenine blood stored at 4 degrees C for up to 20 days. Superoxide dismutase activity was found to be significantly reduced with storage beyond 10 days. The clinical significance of this finding is discussed.