GENERATION OF SUPEROXIDE RADICALS BY HYDRAZINE - ITS ROLE IN PHENYLHYDRAZINE-INDUCED HEMOLYTIC-ANEMIA

Hemolysis and the peroxidation of red cell membrane lipids have been measured in rats treaetd with hydrazine, phenylhydrazine or acetylphenylhydrazine. It was observed that hydrazine has the capacity to generate superoxide anion radical and hydrogen peroxide and to cause the formation of lipid proxide and Heinz bodies. The hemolysis found to accompany these events i similar to that caused by phenylhydrazine and acetylphenylhydrazine. Thus at least part of the cyotoxicity of phenylhydrazine and acetylphenylhydrazine need not involve the formation of organic radicals but takes place through the action of hydrogen peroxide. © 1979.