Pentose-phosphate shunt activity and red blood cell malonyldialdehyde levels in haemodialysis and in CAPD patients.

The baseline concentrations of MDA in the RBC membranes and the MDA production in the erythrocytes following stimulation with ascorbate and cyanide are compared in a group of uraemic patients on chronic haemodialysis and in one treated with CAPD. Lower baseline concentrations and smaller production of MDA following in vitro stimulation, point to a better function of the pentose-phosphate shunt in CAPD patients than in haemodialysis.