ON THE PHENAZINE METHOSULFATE EFFECT ON HUMAN ERYTHROCYTES

The experimental data about the phenasine methosulfate (PMS) effect on human erythrocytes are considered. It is demonstrated that PMS well penetrates the cells and causes changes dependent on incubation time. PMS may possess either oxidative or reducing properties according to experimental conditions. The PMS potency for oxidation is revealed in change of the haemoglobin redox state to more oxidative one (MetHb), in decrease of the reducing glutathione level and in increase of the reducing rate of potassium ferricyanide (RRPF). The use of erythrocytes oxidated by sodium oxide demonstrates the PMS reducing properties which cause reduction of methaemoglobin (MetHb) and decrease of the sodium oxide inhibitory effect on RRPF. Based on the obtained data a scheme is proposed for the PMS action on erythrocytes implying three interaction centres within the cells.