RESUMEN
The photodynamic action of riboflavin is generally considered to involve the generation of reactive oxygen species [ROS], the production of which is enhanced when Cu [II] is present in the reaction. In the present study we report that photoactivated riboflavin caused lipid peroxidation in fresh human red blood cells [RBC] in a time dependent manner. Addition of Cu [II] and sodium azide enhanced the lipid peroxidation in RBC. Bathocuproine, a specific Cu [I] sequestering agent, when present in the reaction, inhibited the lipid peroxidation to about 70%. Free radical scavengers like superoxide dismutase, potassium iodide, mannitol, [Beta]-carotene and thiourea inhibited the lipid peroxidation to different extents. These results suggest that lipid peroxidation in human RBC is basically a free radical mediated reaction