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The Haemolytic Action of Dapsone: Changes in the Red‐Cell Membrane
Author(s) -
Rasbridge Marian R.,
Scott G. L.
Publication year - 1973
Publication title -
british journal of haematology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.907
H-Index - 186
eISSN - 1365-2141
pISSN - 0007-1048
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-2141.1973.tb05738.x
Subject(s) - haemolysis , dapsone , lipid peroxidation , chemistry , glutathione , hemolysis , red cell , erythrocyte fragility , biochemistry , red blood cell , lipid peroxide , hydrogen peroxide , lysis , vitamin e , antioxidant , pharmacology , medicine , enzyme , immunology , biology
S ummary . Some aspects of red‐cell membrane structure and function have been investigated in patients with haemolysis due to dapsone (4,4′ diaminodiphenylsulphone). Osmotic fragility and potassium flux were not increased but red‐cell membrane changes occurred which suggested instability. These included loss of phospholipid, decrease in acetylcholinesterase activity and increased autohaemolysis. In addition, there was evidence for lipid peroxidation, which might have been the primary lesion. Red‐cell membrane sulphydryl group activity was either reduced or altered because these cells were abnormally sensitive to the action of the sulphydryl group inhibitor p‐chloromercuribenzoate, as measured by increased potassium leakage aiid haemolysis. Dapsone also caused abnormal peroxide lysis in the presence of normal hydrogen peroxide detoxification mechanisms and in the absence of vitamin E deficiency. This was prevented by excess vitamin E but not by the sulphydryl compounds, reduced glutathione or cysteine, and it was increased by previous treatment with p‐chloromercuribenzoate. It is suggested that reduced membrane sulphydryl group activity, probably due to the formation of mixed disulphides with precipitated haemoglobin, and lipid peroxidation may be responsible for in vitro and, possibly, in vivo dapsone‐induced haemolysis.