Effect of heparin on the lipid peroxidation reaction of erythrocytes and their stability

Physiological concentration (10 units/ml) of heparin activates ascorbate-dependent lipid peroxidation of erythrocytes and reduces their stability in the citrate-phosphate buffer (pH 3.0). In a concentration of 100 units/ml heparin does not influence the thermal (62 degrees) oxidation of methyloleate. It follows that heparin is not direct prooxidant.