Ruptured erythrocytes inhibit the oxidation of membranes by 15-hydroperoxy-eicosatetraenoic acid.

In this study, the pro-oxidant effects of the hydroperoxide, 15-hydroperoxy-eicosatetraenoic acid (15-HPETE), on erythrocyte membranes and the modulation of the oxidation by haem proteins released from ruptured erythrocytes have been assessed. The results indicate that ruptured erythrocytes may act as an antioxidant in protecting membranes against oxidative stress induced by hydroperoxides and that it is the oxyhaemoglobin that is the active constituent of the protective mechanism. An important feature of the mechanism is the peroxidatic action of oxyhaemoglobin and its rate of reaction with 15-HPETE.