Alternations in free radical erythrocyte-defense mechanisms in streptozotocin induced diabetic rats - effect of antioxidant treatment.

The activities of superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase and the contents of glutathione, malondialdehyde were examined in erythrocytes of streptozotocin induced diabetic rats. The above mentioned antioxidant systems of erythrocyte were determined after treatment of diabetic rats with superoxide dismutase, trolox, catalase and allopurinol. In erythrocytes of streptozotocin induced diabetic rats the activities of superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase as well as the levels of reduced glutathione were lower whereas the contents of oxidized glutathione and malondialdehyde were higher than in controls. Superoxide dismutase and trolox treatment of diabetic rats resulted in an increase of erythrocyte glutathione peroxidase activities and in reduced glutathione levels. However the levels of oxidized glutathione decreased after treatment of diabetic rats with superoxide dismutase and trolox. Catalase and allopurinol administration did not have any influence on the activities of the investigated enzymes nor on the levels of glutathione in diabetic rats. The antioxidants under study did not cause any changes in the increased level of malondialdehyde in erythrocytes.