HMP shunt in erythrocytes
HMP shunt in erythrocytes is of importance due to the generation of NADPH, which maintains the glutathione (G-SH) in the reduced state by glutathione reductase, a flavoprotein containing FAD. Glutathione is a tripeptide (glycine-glutamatk-cysteine), which, in the reduced state takes part in redox reactions in cells. IQ this process, two glutathione molecules combine to give the oxidized form (G-S-S-G). The reduced glutathione then removes H2O2 from the erythrocytes by glutathione peroxidase, an enzyme containing selenium. This reaction is important because , accuinulation of H2O2, may decrease the life-span of erythrocytes by increasing the rate of oxidation of haemoglobin to methaemoglobin.