ROLE OF CATALASE IN H2O2-INDUCED OXIDANT STRESS IN MARSUPIAL ERYTHROCYTES

We have examined the catalase activity and H2O2-induced oxidant stress on methaemoglobin formation and haemolysis in eight species of marsup ials: the black striped wallaby (Macropus dorsalis), bridled nail-tail wallaby (Onychogalea fraenata), proserpine rock wallaby (Petrogale pe rsephone), red legged pademelon (Thylogale stigmatica), spectacled har e wallaby (Lagorchestes conspicillatus), whiptail wallaby (Macropus pa rryi), common brushtail possum (Trichosurus vulpecula), and the koala (Phascolarctos cinereus). The results indicate a significant relations hip between the activity of catalase and methaemoglobin formation by H 2O2.