Effect of .ALPHA.-Tocopherol on Antioxidant Status in Erythrocytes of Myocardially Infarcted Rats.

The protective effect of α-tocopherol pretreatment on antioxidant status in erythrocytes of isoproterenol-induced myocardially infarcted rats was studied. Isoproterenol-treated rats showed a significant decrease in the activity of erythrocyte antioxidant enzymes, resulting in increased lipid peroxides in serum and erythrocytes. The level of antioxidants such as vitamin E, ascorbate, and glutathione decreased on isoproterenol treatment. α-Tocopherol pretreatment prevented the inactivation of erythrocyte antioxidant enzymes and formation of lipid peroxides. The antioxidant levels were maintained near normal in α-tocopherol-pretreated, isoproterenol-administered rats. α-Tocopherol, being a potential antioxidant, reduces free radical-mediated reactions, thereby preventing erythrocyte damage.