The effects of tert-butyl hydroperoxide on human erythrocyte membrane ion transport and the protective actions of antioxidants

The oxidising actions of tert-butyl hydroperoxide (tBH) (0-3 mmol/l) on human erythrocyte membrane ion transport have been studied using measurements of Rb-86(+) influx. Ouabain and bumetanide were used to distinguish Rb+ flux via the sodium pump (Na,K-ATPase), Na,K,2Cl cotransporter and through residual membrane permeability. The protective actions of antioxidants and related molecules (vitamin E, vitamin E acetate, Trolox, butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) and dithioerythritol (DTE)) were studied. The effects of tBH were concentration dependent and the mean residual (ouabain and bumetanide insensitive) Rbi permeability was increased by a factor of 8.5 (S.E.M. 2.2, n = 15) by a 5-min exposure to 2 mmol/l tBH. This action was almost completely prevented by co-incubation with Trolox or BHT, and partially prevented by the presence of vitamin E or DTE. Incubation with 2 mmol/l tBH for 5 min increased intracellular Na+ by a factor of 1.8 (S.E.M. 0.1, n = 8) and reduced intracellular K+ by a factor of 0.93 (S.E.M. 0.03, n = 8), These effects were prevented by Trolox and partially prevented by vitamin E, whereas DTE and vitamin E acetate were ineffective. Incubation with 2 mmol/l tBH for 5 min reduced the mean apparent sodium pump V-max by 43% (S.E.M. 4, n = 8). This effect was completely prevented by Trolox and partially prevented by vitamin E. Vitamin E acetate had no effect. The mean bumetanide-sensitive Rb+ influx via the Na,K,2Cl cotransporter was reduced by 30% (S.E.M. 8.7, n = 25) by a 5-min exposure to 2 mmol/l tBH. This action was variable and no significant actions of the antioxidants studied could be demonstrated. This study suggests that tBH-mediated oxidative damage occurs from a hydrophilic site and involves increased non-selective membrane cation permeability and inhibition of specific transport systems.