[Peroxidation and the antioxidation system in the blood in ontogenesis]

Activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), myeloperoxidase, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) and the rate of lipid peroxidation were studied in blood of children within first weeks of life, when a change-over to lung respiration occurred. Two groups of newborn children were found with dissimilar alterations in the SOD activity within the first week. Independently of the SOD activity alterations, an increase in the rate of lipid peroxidation and in G6PD activity as well as a distinct decrease of myeloperoxidase activity were detected in blood of newborn children as compared with adults. The state of the blood antioxidation system at the moment of birth is discussed.