Copper sulfate has hemolytic potential. - GreenMedInfo Summary

AIM: To study the effects of epinephrine, homocysteine, and other complexing agents on the cytotoxicity of copper sulfate. METHODS: In vitro suspensions of human red cells incubated with cupric sulfate were used, and hemolysis was determined by extracellular hemoglobin. RESULTS: The hemolytic activity of CuSO4 (0.3 mmol.L-1) was enhanced by the presence of epinephrine and to a lesser extent by homocysteine, whereas D-penicillamine, succimer, and mercaptodextran reduced the copper-induced hemolysis. The latter 3 chelating thiols also reduced the copper-epinephrine-induced hemolysis. The plasma protein ceruloplasmin reduced markedly the copper-epinephrine-induced hemolysis, even upon concentrations<20% of that of copper. Chromic chloride, as well, acted anti-hemolytically. CONCLUSION: The latter protectors may interact with the production or activity of toxic oxygen, while classical copper chelators sequester cupric ions from interaction with epinephrine or homocysteine.