GLUTATHIONE ELEVATION DURING THERMOTOLERANCE INDUCTION AND THERMOSENSITIZATION BY GLUTATHIONE DEPLETION

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  • 1 January 1983
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 43  (3) , 987-991
Abstract
Chinese hamster [lung] V79 cells were made thermotolerant by continuous heating [hyperthermia] at 42.5.degree. C or by fractionated 43.degree. C exposures with interfraction incubation at 37.degree. C. For both methods of thermotolerance induction, elevations in cellular glutathione (GSH) were observed. Additionally, GSH was also shown to be elevated following a 1-h exposure to 6% ethanol, which also induces thermotolerance. These elevations in cellular GSH proceded thermotolerance induction in regard to cell survival. To determine if a reduction in cellular GSH prior to or during heating at 42.5.degree. C would influence thermotolerance, GSH levels were reduced by pretreatment with diethylmaleate, an agent the binds GSH, or treatment during heating with buthionine sulfoximine, an agent that inhibits GSH synthesis. Both depleting protocols resulted in thermosensitization. GSH may be important in the early cellular response to thermal stress. [Hyperthermia is currently being studied for use in the treatment of cancer.].