RED-CELL METABOLISM IN A SMALL DASYURID MARSUPIAL, THE BROWN ANTECHINUS (ANTECHINUS-STUARTII)

Red cell metabolism was examined in a small dasyurid marsupial, the br own antechinus Antechinus stuartii. There were significant differences in haematocrit with regard to sex and the season. Compared to other m arsupials, the haemoglobin of A. stuartii was more susceptible to oxid ation by acetylphenylhydrazine. However, the rate of methaemoglobin re duction was faster in A. stuartii. Our results appear to support a pre vious suggestion that methaemoglobin reducing ability is greater in th ose species whose haemoglobin is more susceptible to oxidative stress.