[Erythrocyte protective synergism of ascorbic acid and alpha-mercaptopropionylglycine]

The antitoxic action of 1-ascorbic acid and alpha-mercaptopropionyl glycine was examined via the formation of Ehrlich-Heinz bodies in human venous red cells following in vitro intoxication with 100 mg/ml acetylphenylhydrazine. Marked synergism was noted, especially when small amounts of glucose were added. Both substances displayed a marked affinity for red cells and penetrated them on contact without an incubation period. Optimum amounts for maximum synergy were alpha-mercaptopropionyl glycine 0.01-0.02, 1-ascorbic acid 0.01-0.02 ml and glucose 40 mg per ml of blood. At this dose, appearance of Ehrlich bodies was appreciably retarded. In addition, changes in the size and quality of such bodies pointed to enhanced cell resistance to the poison used.