Ascorbate (vitamin C) and dehydroascorbate stimulation of copper induced hemolysis. Protective action of ceruloplasmin, albumin and apotransferrin.

Copper ion induced lysis of rat erythrocytes was markedly stimulated by low concentrations of ascorbate and dehydroascorbate. Ascorbate oxidase, superoxide dismutase, catalase or scavengers of hydroxyl radicals protected erythrocytes against copper-ascorbate stimulated lysis. It is proposed that superoxide radicals and hydrogen peroxide cooperate in producing hydroxyl radicals, which are directly involved in hemolysis. The serum proteins, ceruloplasmin, albumin and apotransferrin, also reduced the hemolytic action of copper-ascorbate, the order of effectiveness being; ceruloplasmin greater than albumin greater than apotransferrin.