The permeability of human red blood cell membranes to hydrogen peroxide is independent of aquaporins.

Hydrogen peroxide (HO) not only is an oxidant but also is an important signaling molecule in vascular biology, mediating several physiological functions. Red blood cells (RBCs) have been proposed to be the primary sink of HO in the vasculature because they are the main cellular component of blood with a robust antioxidant defense and a high membrane permeability. However, the exact permeability of human RBC to HO is neither known nor is it known if the mechanism of permeation involves the lipid fraction or protein channels.