[Changes in the activity of antioxidant enzymes in an experimental peroxidation syndrome in the rabbit]

Activity of the antioxidant enzymes under conditions of experimental syndrome of peroxidation was studied in rabbits maintained at a diet deprived of antioxidants. Peroxidation of lipids was increased in the animals; at the same time, content of the vitamin-antioxidants was decreased in their tissues. Activity of the antioxidant enzymes was distinctly increased within the first steps of the experiment after which it was decreased. The data obtained suggest that deficiency of the vitamin-antioxidants may be transitory compensated by an increase in activity of the antioxidant enzymes; long-term deprivation of bioantioxidants led, however, to inhibition of biosynthesis of the antioxidant enzymes.