Methaemoglobin Content and NADHMethaemoglobin Reductase Activity of Three Human Erythrocyte Genotypes

Background: To study methaemoglobin content and NADH-methaemoglobin reductase activity of three human erythrocyte genotypes (HbAA, HbAS and HbSS).Materials and Methods: Studies to ascertain methaemoglobin concentration and level of NADH-methaemoglobin reductase activity of three human erythrocyte genotypes (HbAA, HbAS and HbSS) were carried out in forty-three (43) healthy male participants of confirmed erythrocyte genotypes: HbAA (N=15), HbAS (N=15) and HbSS (N=13).Spectrophotometric method was used for determination of the two erythrocyte parameters.Results: Whereas methaemoglobin concentrations in the three erythrocyte genotypes was in the order: HbAS HbAA HbSS, levels of NADH-methaemoglobin reductase activity was: HbSS hbAS HbAA. There was no statistically significant difference (p 0.05) in methaemoglobin concentration and NADH-methaemoglobin reductase activity between HbAA and HbAS erythrocytes.Conclusion: The results showed a relationship between erythrocyte NADH-methaemoglobin reductase activity and methaemoglobin concentration.