Nickel chloride effects on erythrocyte generation of superoxide radical

The superoxide anion (O2) is an extremely potent free radical which is produced during the metabolism of aerobic linving cells. (O2) may be involved in lipid peroxidation reactions which occur in a variety of systems. Cu-Zn speroxide dimutase, a metalloprotein, catalyzes the dismutation of the superoxide free radical and protects cells aginst superoxide damage. The ability of NiCl2 to prevent lysis of erythrocytes was tested in rats. NiCl2 administered by intratracheal rouyte prevented hemolysis and decreased total lipids, phospholipids and bilirubin in serum. The protective effect of NiCl2 was linked to an increase in the erytrocyte activity of superoxide dismutase