Jaundice in new born and erythrocyte and plasma antioxidant defence system.

Alteration in the antioxidant defence mechanism of erythrocytes with rise in serum unconjugated bilirubin level in neonates has been observed. The cellular glutathione level was found to be significantly low. The activity of glutathione reductase in erythrocyte increased to combat the cellular loss of reduced glutathione in neonatal jaundice. In plasma fraction the level of glutathione (reduced) was found to be significantly higher with lowering of glutathione reductase level. Glutathione peroxidase was reduced in cellular level whereas an increase was observed in plasma fraction. Gamma glutamyl transpeptidase level was barely detectable in erythrocyte whereas an increase was observed in plasma fraction. In all the cases erythrocyte G-6-PDH activity level was found within normal limits.