Studies on Chromated Erythrocytes. Effect of Sodium Chromate on Erythrocyte Glutathione Reductase*

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Abstract
Human erythrocytes were incubated with varying concentrations of sodium chromate under conditions similar to those employed in erythrocyte labeling techniques. Progressive inhibition of erythrocyte glutathione reductase activity was observed with increasing concentrations of chromate up to 50 [mu]g Cr per ml of original blood. At this concentration approximately 80% inhibition was noted. Significant inhibition was noted when as little as 5 [mu]g per ml was used. The inhibition was induced by hexavalent chromate anion, only, even in hemolysates. Trivalent chromic action had no inhibitory effect. The inhibition was associated with increased sensitivity to acetylphenylhydrazine manifest as Heinz body formation and GSH instability. No adverse effect of chromate was noted on the activities of the glycolytic enzymes or of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, 6-phosphogluconic dehydrogenase, transketolase, acetylcholinesterase or glyoxalase. There was no effect on erythrocyte osmotic fragility or autohemolysis.