Oxidant defence in the red blood cells of the greyheaded flying fox, Pteropus poliocephalus

The red blood cells (RBC) of bats (Order Chiroptera) are morphologically similar to those of other mammals, but the suborder Megachiroptera are unique in responding to very high demands for oxygen supply, more than 30 times that of resting conditions. Although greater efficiency of these cells to transport oxygen is advantageous to the animal, it could potentially expose the RBC to higher than average risk of oxidant damage. The aim of the present study was to investigate the capacity of RBCs of Pteropus poliocephalus, the greyheaded flying fox, to defend itself against oxidant stress. RBC of flying fox and human were challenged with 2,2′-azobis(2-amidinopropane) dihydrochloride (AAPH). The RBC from the two species were found to have similar reduced glutathione (GSH) reduction kinetics and succumbed to haemolysis at similar rates. However, haemoglobin oxidation was much faster in the flying fox suggesting that the RBC of flying fox may not enjoy as good protection as those of humans in the event of an oxidant stress.