ISSN:
1573-0646
Keywords:
AT-125 (Acivicin)
;
glutathione
;
cysteine
;
γ-glutamyltranspeptidase
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Chemistry and Pharmacology
,
Medicine
Notes:
Summary AT-125 (Acivicin) is an inhibitor of γ-glutamyltranspeptidase (γ-GTP) which initiates glutathione catabolism to cysteine. We measured plasma and brain glutathione and cysteine in rats treated with AT-125. Six h after AT-125 treatment, plasma glutathione had increased 6-fold and plasma cysteine had fallen significantly. Brain cysteine fell after 24 h of AT-125 treatment, and brain glutathione had also decreased 18%. AT-125 pretreatment inhibited brain uptake of 35S when it was given as 35S-GSH but had no effect when it was given as 35S-cysteine. These results suggest that plasma glutathione is catabolized by γ-GTP, and cysteine derived from it is taken up by the brain. N-acetylcysteine was administered to AT-125 treated rats in an attempt to supply cysteine to the brain in the face of γ-GTP inhibition. N-acetylcysteine supported brain glutathione levels, suggesting that it can serve as a source of cysteine under these conditions.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF00176821
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