Red Blood Cells Protect Endothelial Cells against H 2 O 2 -Mediated but Not Hyperoxia-Induced Damage

Abstract

Abstract

We studied the effect of intact red blood cells on the exogenous H₂O₂-mediated damage as well as on the hyperoxia-induced injury of cultured endothelial cells. Red blood cells protected endothelial cells against H₂O₂-mediated injury efficiently, but had no effect on the hyperoxia-induced damage. Failure of red blood cells to protect endothelial cells against hyperoxia-induced injury was not due to hemolysis. Furthermore, hyperoxia-exposed red blood cells were still capable of protecting endothelial cells against H₂O₂-mediated damage.