[Concentrations of superoxide dismutase (copper and manganese), catalase and glutathione peroxidase in red cells, platelets and plasma in patients with rheumatoid polyarthritis].

Antioxidant enzymes assays (CuZnSOD, MnSOD, catalase glutathione peroxidase) have been performed by radioimmunoassay in erythrocytes, platelets and plasma of rheumatoid polyarthritis patients. No difference has been shown as compared with control subjects whatever the therapy or the length of time for which the patients have been affected. If a deficiency in antioxidant enzymes is related to the destruction of joint tissues by free radicals, it cannot be detected in blood tissue elements.