Photohemolysis of erythrocytes enriched with superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase

Cationic liposomes have been used to introduce into human erythrocytes variable amounts of the enzymes superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase. The behaviour of the enzyme-enriched erythrocytes toward photohemolysis sensitized by protoporphyrin IX has been studied in comparison to that of erythrocytes treated with empty liposomes. The erythrocytes with increased catalase and glutathione peroxidase activity were more resistant to photohemolysis. In contrast, the erythrocytes enriched with superoxide dismutase hemolyzed faster. The association of two enzymes at a time was also studied