The effect of ascorbic acid on copper-induced oxidative changes in the erythrocytes of rats, sheep, and normal humans

Rats, sheep, and normal humans displayed a comparable sensitivity to copper acetate (3 mM)-induced changes in reduced glutathione (GSH) levels in vitro. However, the human erythrocytes were more sensitive than either animal to methemoglobin (METHB) formation with the rat being least sensitive. Ascorbic acid incubation markedly enhanced the occurrence of copper acetate-induced increases in METHB and decreases in GSH in the sheep and humans. However, ascorbic acid incubation reduced the occurrence of copper acetate-induced increases in METHB, while not effecting changes in GSH in rats.