Effect of anaemia on red cell metabolism in cattle.

Six enzymes: glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD), 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase (6PGD), glutathione reductase (GR), glutathione peroxidase (GSHPx), catalase and superoxide dismutase (SOD), and three metabolites: 2,3-diphosphoglycerate (DPG), adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and reduced glutathione (GSH), were measured in the red blood cells of cattle during experimental anaemia. There was a significant rise in the mean levels of DPG (from 0.85 to 1.69 mumol/gHb) and ATP (from 2.16 to 3.25 mumol/gHb) in the early phase of recovery. Enzyme activities also increased during the early recovery period.