Erythrocyte oxidized glutathione in Australian Merino sheep.

The concentration of GSSG was determined in the erythrocytes of Merino sheep. These sheep were grouped according to erythrocyte potassium type, haemoglobin type, and GSH type. It was found that haemoglobin and potassium type were not correlated with GSSG concentration; however, GSSG concentration was found to be significantly correlated with GSH concentration. This relationship may explain previously reported differences in ATPase activity and may reflect further metabolic differences in the erythrocytes of GSH-high and GSH-low type Merino sheep.