Aging of the erythrocyte. VIII. Sensitivity to oxidant factors

Hemolytic sensitivity of various density (and age) fractions of bovine erythrocytes to oxidant stress induced by H2O2, ascorbate and gamma radiation, as well as to prolonged incubation (autohemolysis) and heat treatment was compared. The sensitivity of older red cells was increased for higher but not for lower rates of "oxidative load" nor to autohemolysis and hyperthermic hemolysis. Changes in the sensitivity of senescent erythrocytes to redox agents are mediated, at least partly, by factors other than glutathione concentration which was fairly constant during the intravascular red cell aging.