Effects of Monomethylhydrazine on Human Red Blood Cells

Abstract

The effects of monomethylhydrazine on red blood cells in vitro were studied. These effects are characteristic of oxidant damage and included methemoglobin formation, Heinz body production, and a decreased level of reduced glutathione. Cell morphology was examined by light microscopy and the cells showed a distorted appearance with a loss of the biconcave shape after 2 hours exposure. There was no change in cell osmotic fragility. MMH did not exhibit any effect on various protective enzyme systems involved in maintaining the redox equilibrium in the cell. It appears the hemolytic effect of MMH observed in vivo is caused either by a direct action of this oxidant on cell membrane which is not obvious on fixed morphological observation or by the effect of Heinz bodies on cellular integrity leading to a decreased cellular 'deformability' and premature removal of the injured cells from the circulation by the spleen, or both.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
May 01, 1973
Accession Number
AD0770283

Entities

People

  • Marilyn E. George

Organizations

  • Air Force Research Laboratory

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Biomedical
  • Space

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Force
  • Air Force Facilities
  • Biomedical Research
  • Blood
  • Blood Cells
  • Cell Membrane
  • Cell Physiological Processes
  • Cells
  • Cellular Structures
  • Chemical Synthesis
  • Chemistry
  • Ecotoxicology
  • Erythrocytes
  • Free Radicals
  • Hematologic Diseases
  • Precipitation
  • Security

Fields of Study

  • Biology

Readers

  • Immunology and Pathology
  • Toxicology/Environmental Toxicology