ABSTRACT
Objective To investigate the effect of tamoxifen(TAM)on human erythrocytes.Methods Leakage of K~+ was determined by flame photometry.The value of hemolysis was determined spectrophotometrically by the concentration of hemoglobin in the supernatant at 540 nm.Measurement of erythrocyte deformability was based on PEG-induced rouleau formation.Results 2.5 mmol/L and 5 mmol/L of TAM induced erythrocytes(17?8)% and(32?13)% leakage of K~+,rather than hemolysis.The coefficient of erythrocyte deformability(Ci)in control group was(0.40?0.05)%.In contrast,the coefficients of erythrocyte deformability(Ci)were(0.53?0.05)% and(0.61?0.04)% respectively,after 2.5 mmol/L and 5 mmol/L of TAM treatment.a-Tocopherol decreased K~+ leakage of erythrocytes from(39?15)% to(12?5)% induced by 5 mmol/L of TAM.Conclusion TAM may mediate damage to erythrocytes at lower concentrations.a-tocopherol functions as a membrane stabilizer to protect erythrocytes against TAM-mediated damage.