Styrene oxidation to styrene oxide in human erythrocytes is catalyzed by oxyhemoglobin

Oxygenated human erythrocytes catalyzed the oxidation of styrene to styrene oxide. This reaction was inhibited by CO but not by superoxide dismutase, catalase and scavengers of hydroxyl radicals. In partially deoxygenated erythrocytes styrene oxidation showed a linear relationship with the molar fraction of oxyhemoglobin. These data indicate that oxyhemoglobin and not free oxygen radicals are involved in styrene oxidation.