Copper Deficiency and Tissue Glutathione Concentration in the Rat

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Abstract
Copper deficiency in rats increased renal vein and arterial (heart) plasma GSH concentration by approximately 50%. There was no change in plasma GSSG concentration. Renal vein plasma GSSG/GSH ratio was decreased in copper deficiency, which is consistent with previous reports showing a copper-dependent thiol oxidase activity in the renal basement membrane. No change occurred in arterial plasma GSSG/GSH ratio. Hepatic GSH concentrations were also elevated by 505 in copper deficiency, GSSG concentrations were unaffected, but GSSG/GSH ratio was depressed. Renal and cardiac tissue GSH and GSSG were unaffected by copper deficiency. The decreased SOD activity and GSH-Px activity observed in copper deficiency may contribute to increased hepatic and plasma GSH concentrations.