H|[aelig]|molytic Activity of Vitamin K3: Evidence for a Direct Effect on Cellular Enzymes

THERE is considerable controversy concerning the mechanism of the so-called drug-induced haemolytie anaemias and the mechanism and significance of Heinz body formation in red blood cells. Harley et al.1 were one of three groups of investigators2,3 who found independently that the various oxidant drugs which have been implicated in the causation of haemolytic anaemia have a profound effect on intracellular haemoglobin, and that oxidation of haemoglobin may be an important part of the mechanism whereby these drugs lead to shortening of the life-span of red blood cells. Before the publication by the three groups mentioned, Beutler4 in a comprehensive review denied this possibility.