Methaemoglobin formation in euros and bettong

Oxidant sensitivity was investigated in erythrocytes from Barrow Island eur o (Macropus robustus isabellinus), mainland euro (Macropus robustus erubesc ens) and brushtailed-bettong (Bettongia pericillata). Oxidant sensitivity w as tested by measuring methaemoglobin formation in haemolysates treated wit h H2O2 Or NaNO2. Barrow Island euro produced the highest methaemoglobin for mation with H2O2. There was a significant negative correlation between cata lase activity and H2O2-induced methaemoglobin formation. Our results provid e further evidence supporting previous findings on eight species of marsupi als.