RED CELL LEVELS OF 2,3-DIPHOSPHOGLYCERATE AND REDUCED GLUTATHIONE IN PATIENTS WITH DOWN’S SYNDROME AND NON-MONGOLOID MENTAL RETARDATION

Levels of 2,3-diphosphoglycerate (2,3-DPG) and reduced glutathione (GSH) were measured in the red blood cells form patients with Down’s syndrome and non-mongoloid mental retardation (MR) and were compared with the normal controls. Significant differences were observed in the three groups in the levels of 2,3-DPG expressed as µmoles/gHb.

However, these significant differences disappeared when 2,3-DPG expressed as µmoles/ml red blood cells. Significant differences were also present in haemoglobin concentrations and MCHC in the three groups. No differences were present in the levels of GSH among the three groups.