The Status of Catalase Activity in Erythrocytes of Steptozotocin ( STZ) Induced Diabetic Rats

Catalase, catalyses the reduction of hydroperoxides, thereby protecting mammalian cells against oxidative damage. Also, catalase active in reactive oxygen species neutralization and within cells removes superoxide and peroxides before they react with metal catalysis to form more reactive species. We investigated the status of catalase activity, in erythrocytes of streptozotocin (STZ) induced diabetic rats. Catalase activity was measured by using spectrophtometric techniques. Catalase activity in the diabetic rats group was increased compared to control group [25.7 +/- 2.8 (mean +/- SD) vs. 16.3 +/- 2.1], mmol H2O2 per min/mg of protein, P< 0.05. Our results showed that catalase activity was significantly increased in the erythrocytes of STZ-induced diabetic rats.