STATUS OF GLUTATHIONE IN THE RAT-LIVER - ENHANCED FORMATION OF OXYGEN RADICALS AT LOW OXYGEN-TENSION

  • 1 January 1983
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 42  (9) , 1079-1089
Abstract
Rat livers were initially perfused and then stored at various temperatures up to 4 h. The intra- and extrahepatic status of glutathione, the accumulation of H2O2 in the preservation medium, the action of a .OH-scavenger and of a xanthine oxidase inhibitor were investigated as candidates for the assessment of oxidative alterations due to ischemia. Respiratory functions of mitochondria were also measured. The increased efflux of GSSG [oxidized glutathione] from the liver tissue, the increase of the GSSGtot/GSHtot-ratio and the favorable effects of formate as .OH-scavenger and of allopurinol as xanthine oxidase-inhibitor confirm the hypothesis about oxidative damage under conditions of oxygen deficiency. Nucleotide degradation, especially the steps catalyzed by xanthine oxidase and uricase, is the main metabolic pathway for the generation of oxygen radicals under ischemic conditions.