An enzyme from rat liver catalysing conjugations with glutathione

The effect of dietary protein levels on xenobiotic biotransformations in F344 male rats

Diets containing protein levels of 8, 12, and 22% were fed for 14 days to Fischer 344 male weanling rats. Enzyme activities in liver and kidney were measured using several substrates for each of the following enzyme systems: Cytochrome P-450-dependent monooxygenase, ester hydrolysis, and conjugations with sulfate, glutathione, and glucuronic acid. Enzyme activities, for the various mechanisms, decreased from 15 to 65% with decreased dietary protein, with the exception of glucuronide and sulfate conjugation, which increased with decreased dietary protein. In vivo effects were evaluated by measuring hexobarbital sleeping time, procaine paralysis time, and bromobenzene hepatotoxicity. Increased dietary protein shortened hexobarbital sleeping time and procaine paralysis time, and increased procaine lethality, whereas low protein intake protected against bromobenzene hepatotoxicity. These data suggest that typical laboratory diets (22-25% protein) may provide artificially altered activities of xenobiotic biotransformation in rats, relative to nutritionally adequate (12% protein) diets.

Comparison of glutathione S-transferase activity between drug-resistant and -sensitive human tumor cells: is glutathione S-transferase associated with multidrug resistance?

We have studied the levels of glutathione S-transferase in drug-resistant and -sensitive human tumor cell lines to examine a possible involvement of glutathione S-transferase (GST) in multidrug resistance mechanisms. No increase in the activity of glutathione S-transferase was detected in myelogenous leukemia K562 resistant to adriamycin (K562/ADM), ovarian carcinoma cell line A2780 resistant to adriamycin (2780AD), or acute lymphoblastic leukemia cell line CCRF-CEM resistant to vinblastine (CEM-VLB100), compared with the drug-sensitive parent tumor cells. The human breast cancer cell lines Hattori and MCF-7 had a 12- to 63-fold lower level of glutathione S-transferase activity than K562, A2780, CCRF-CEM, and their drug-resistant sublines. Induction of ADM resistance in Hattori did not increase the activity of glutathione S-transferase. However, induction of colchicine resistance in MCF-7 resulted in a 70-fold increase in the activity of glutathione S-transferase. A revertant of the colchicine-resistant MCF-7 contained a level of glutathione S-transferase activity similar to that of the resistant subline. The increase of glutathione S-transferase activity did not alter the sensitivity of the cell to cytotoxic drugs. The increased activity was due to the appearance of glutathione S-transferase pi, as shown by enzyme inhibition using anti-glutathione S-transferase pi antibody. Our findings indicate that increased cellular glutathione S-transferase activity is not associated with the development of multidrug resistance.

Purification and characterization of unique glutathione S-transferases from human muscle

Results of studies designed to investigate the origin of the diversity of glutathione S-transferase (GST) isozymes in human tissues indicated that human muscle has at least three forms of GST with pI values of 5.0, 5.1, and 5.2 that are distinct from GST isozymes characterized so far. The major muscle isozyme which was expressed in all the six samples analyzed in this study was a unique GST of pI 5.2 that was designated as GST zeta. It had a blocked N-terminal and did not correspond to any of the known three classes (alpha, mu, or pi) of human GST as evidenced by its immunological properties and substrate specificities. The N-terminal regions of human muscle GST 5.1 and 5.0 had identical amino acid sequences except at residue 5, but demonstrated significant differences in amino acid composition and substrate specificities. These two isozymes showed homology with the mu class of human GST in their N-terminal region and were also immunologically related to the mu class of human GST although their subunit molecular weight values (Mr 23,000) were lower than that reported for GST psi. The substrate specificities of these isozymes were also significantly different from those of other human GST isozymes characterized so far. Significantly, muscle tissue did not express the alpha class of GST isozymes; however, two other isozymes were identified, GST 4.8 and GST 4.5, which had identical N-terminal amino acid sequences that were similar to that reported for the pi class of human GST. GST 4.8 was present in all six samples analyzed in this study whereas GST 4.5 was present in only two of these samples, indicating a possibility of polymorphism at the GST3 locus. This study indicated the occurrence of at least three distinct isozymes in muscle tissue, providing further evidence for tissue specific expression of GST isozymes in humans.

Leukotriene C synthase in mouse mastocytoma cells. An enzyme distinct from cytosolic and microsomal glutathione transferases

Leukotriene C4 synthesis was studied in preparations from mouse mastocytoma cells. Enzymic conjugation of leukotriene A4 with glutathione was catalysed by both the cytosol and the microsomal fraction. The specific activity of the microsomal fraction (7.8 nmol/min per mg of protein) was 17 times that of the cytosol fraction. The cytosol fraction of the mastocytoma cells contained two glutathione transferases, which were purified to homogeneity and characterized. A microsomal glutathione transferase was purified from mouse liver; this enzyme was shown by immunoblot analysis to be present in the mastocytoma microsomal fraction at a concentration one-tenth or less of that in the liver microsomal fraction. Both the cytosolic and the microsomal glutathione transferases in the mastocytoma cells were identified with enzymes previously characterized, by determining specific activities with various substrates, sensitivities to inhibitors, reactions with antibodies, and physical properties. The purified microsomal glutathione transferase from liver was inactive with leukotriene A4 or its methyl ester as substrate. The cytosolic enzymes displayed activity with leukotriene A4, but their specific activities and intracellular concentrations were too low to account for the leukotriene C4 formation in the mastocytoma cells. The microsomal fraction of the cells contained an enzyme distinguishable by various criteria from the previously studied glutathione transferases. This membrane-bound enzyme, leukotriene C synthase (leukotriene A4:glutathione S-leukotrienyltransferase), appears to carry the main responsibility for the biosynthesis of leukotriene C4.

Activation and inhibition of microsomal glutathione transferase from mouse liver

Mouse liver microsomal glutathione transferase was purified in an N-ethylmaleimide-activated as well as an unactivated form. The enzyme had a molecular mass of 17 kDa and a pI of 8.8. It showed cross-reactivity with antibodies raised against rat liver microsomal glutathione transferase, but not with any of the available antisera raised against cytosolic glutathione transferases. The fully N-ethylmaleimide-activated enzyme could be further activated 1.5-fold by inclusion of 1 microM-bromosulphophthalein in the assay system. The latter effect was reversible, which was not the case for the N-ethylmaleimide activation. At 20 microM-bromosulphophthalein the activated microsomal glutathione transferase was strongly inhibited, while the unactivated form was activated 2.5-fold. Inhibitors of the microsomal glutathione transferase from mouse liver showed either about the same I50 values for the activated and the unactivated form of the enzyme, or significantly lower I50 values for the activated form compared with the unactivated form. The low I50 values and the steep slope of the activity-versus-inhibitor-concentration curves for the latter group of inhibitors tested on the activated enzyme indicate a co-operative effect involving conversion of activated enzyme into the unactivated form, as well as conventional inhibition of the enzyme.

Immunocytochemical evidence for the expression of GST1, GST2, and GST3 gene loci for glutathione S-transferase in human lung

Immunocytochemical studies demonstrate that significant amounts of glutathione S-transferase (GST) are associated with alveoli and bronchioles of human lung. The immunofluorescence in human lung sections was observed with the antibodies which were raised against GST psi and GST alpha-epsilon of human liver and GST pi of human placenta indicating that the isoenzymes corresponding to three gene loci, GST1, GST2, and GST3 are present in human lung. Presence of GST isoenzymes in significant amounts in bronchioles and alveoli of human lung indicate that these isoenzymes may play an important role in the detoxification of xenobiotics as well as in combating oxidative stress through glutathione peroxidase II activity.

MPTP metabolites inhibit rat brain glutathione S-transferases

1-Methyl-4-phenyl-2,3-dihydropyridinium and 1-methyl-4-phenyl-pyridinium species, metabolites of the neurotoxin 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine, non-competitively inhibit glutathione S-transferases of rat brain in vitro. The Ki values for 1-methyl-4-phenyl-2,3-dihydropyridinium bromide and 1-methyl-4-phenyl-pyridinium bromide are 0.67 and 0.3 mM, respectively. Inhibition of these enzymes may lead to impairment of cellular defense mechanisms.

Purification and characterization of glutathione S-transferases of human kidney

Several forms of glutathione S-transferase (GST) are present in human kidney, and the overall isoenzyme pattern of kidney differs significantly from those of other human tissues. All the three major classes of GST isoenzymes (alpha, mu and pi) are present in significant amounts in kidney, indicating that GST1, GST2 and GST3 gene loci are expressed in this tissue. More than one form of GST is present in each of these classes of enzymes, and individual variations are observed for these classes. The structural, immunological and functional properties of GST isoenzymes of three classes differ significantly from each other, whereas the isoenzymes belonging to the same class have similar properties. All the cationic GST isoenzymes of human kidney except for GST 9.1 are heterodimers of 26,500-Mr and 24,500-Mr subunits. GST 9.1 is a dimer of 24,500-Mr subunits. All the cationic isoenzymes of kidney GST cross-react with antibodies raised against a mixture of GST alpha, beta, gamma, delta and epsilon isoenzymes of liver. GST 6.6 and GST 5.5 of kidney are dimers of 26,500-Mr subunits and are immunologically similar to GST psi of liver. Unlike other human tissues, kidney has at least two isoenzymes (pI 4.7 and 4.9) associated with the GST3 locus. Both these isoenzymes are dimers of 22,500-Mr subunits and are immunologically similar to GST pi of placenta. Some of the isoenzymes of kidney do not correspond to known GST isoenzymes from other human tissues and may be specific to this tissue.

Human erythrocyte glutathione S-transferase: a possible marker of chemical exposure

We have explored the possibility of using glutathione S-transferase (GST) as a biological marker of chemical exposure. All the model compounds tested in the present study (acrolein, propylene oxide, styrene oxide, ethylene dibromide and ethylene dichloride) showed a dose-dependent inactivation of erythrocyte GST in situ as well as the inhibition of purified erythrocyte GST.

Histochemical evaluation of glutathione in brain

Glutathione (GSH) is a ubiquitous cellular sulfhydryl compound with a variety of essential functions. A histochemical method that was developed by others for the localization of GSH in tissue sections was used to study the localization of GSH in rodent and primate brain. Sections of freshly frozen tissue were stained for 4 min with Mercury orange dissolved in toluene, and viewed by fluorescence microscopy for the product of the reaction with soluble sulfhydryl compounds. Soluble sulfhydryl compounds are comprised almost exclusively of GSH. Although the brain exhibits strong staining characteristics, reflecting the millimolar levels of GSH that are detected by chemical assay, very little stain is seen in neuronal somata. Pretreatment of animals with diethyl maleate resulted in depletion of GSH from brain (measured by high performance liquid chromatography), as well as decreased Mercury orange staining. The staining pattern observed in the brain may indicate that GSH is primarily localized to non-neuronal elements, such as glia, and/or in axons and nerve terminals.

Glutathione S-transferases of mouse lung. Selective binding of benzo[a]pyrene metabolites by the subunits which are preferentially induced by t-butylated hydroxyanisole

Six isoenzymes of glutathione S-transferase (GST) present in mouse lung have been purified and characterized. GST I (pI 9.8) is a dimer of Mr-26,500 subunits and GST II is a heterodimer of Mr-26,500 and -22,000 subunits, and GST III (pI 7.9) and IV (pI 6.4) are dimers of Mr-24,500 subunits. GST V (pI 5.7) is a heterodimer of Mr-24,500 and -23,000 subunits, whereas GST VI (pI 4.9) is a dimer of Mr-23,000 subunits. Immunological studies indicate that the Mr-24,500 subunits present in GST III (pI 7.9) are distinct from those present in GST IV (pI 6.4) and V (pI 5.7). Structural and immunological studies provide evidence that at least five distinct types of subunits in their different binary combinations give rise to various GST isoenzymes of mouse lung. These isoenzymes express varying degrees of catalytic activities towards a wide range of electrophilic substrates including benzo[a]pyrene 7,8-oxide and benzo[a]pyrene 4,5-oxide. The dietary antioxidant t-butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) preferentially induces GST II and III. Also, these two isoenzymes selectively bind benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P) metabolites, indicating that they play an important physiological role in the detoxification of B[a]P metabolites. The preferential induction of the GST isoenzymes involved in the detoxification of activated B[a]P metabolites indicates that the anti-neoplastic activity of BHA against B[a]P-induced neoplasia in mouse lung [Wattenberg (1973) J. Natl. Cancer Inst. 50, 1541-1544] may be due to the enhanced detoxification of B[a]P metabolites.

Human liver glutathione S-transferase psi. Chemical characterization and secondary-structure comparison with other mammalian glutathione S-transferases

The isolation and chemical characterization of the anionic human liver glutathione S-transferase (GST) psi (pI 5.5) are described and compared with other GST isoenzymes reported for rat and human. Amino acid compositional analysis, substrate specificity and isoelectric focusing indicated that GST psi is a unique isoenzyme form of GST. Strikingly, however, amino acid sequence analysis of the N-terminal region indicated that GST psi was identical with GST mu in the first 23 amino acid residues reported. It is likely that these two enzyme forms are at least partially structurally related. In order to investigate further the genetic relationship of GST psi to other reported GST isoenzymes, secondary-structure analysis was performed. Despite substantial differences in the N-terminal-region amino acid sequences of some of the GST isoenzymes, the secondary structure of all the isoenzymes is highly conserved at their N-termini. The general uniformity of the secondary structure of this enzyme class at their N-termini strongly indicated that the observed diversity of these isoenzymes probably occurred as a result of a mechanism of gene duplication followed by divergence rather than a mechanism of convergent evolution.

Evidence for the involvement of histidine at the active site of glutathione S-transferase psi from human liver

The inhibition of catalytic activity of glutathione S-transferase psi (pI 5.5) of human liver by diethylpyrocarbonate (DEPC) has been studied. It is demonstrated that DEPC causes a concentration dependent inactivation of GST psi with a concomitant modification of 1-1.3 histidyl residues/subunit of the enzyme. This inactivation of GST psi could be reversed by treatment with hydroxylamine. Glutathione afforded complete protection to the enzyme from inactivation by DEPC. It is suggested that a functional histidyl residue is essential for the catalytic activity of the enzyme and that this residue is most likely to be present at or near the glutathione binding site (G-site).

Lipid peroxidation and mechanisms of toxicity

Aerobic organisms by definition require oxygen, and the importance of iron in aerobic respiration has long been recognized, but despite their beneficial roles, these elements can pose a real threat to the organism. During oxygen reduction, reactive species such as O2-. and H2O2 are formed readily. Iron can combine with these species, or with molecular oxygen itself, to generate free radicals which will attack the polyunsaturated fatty acids of membrane lipids. This oxidative deterioration of membrane lipids is known as lipid peroxidation. To protect itself against this form of attack, the organism possesses several types of defense mechanisms. Under normal conditions, these defenses appear to offer adequate protection for cell membranes, but the possibility exists that certain foreign compounds may interfere with or even overwhelm these defenses, and herein could lie a general mechanism of toxicity. This possible cause of toxicity is discussed in relation to other suggested causes.

Comparative studies on the isoenzymes of glutathione S-transferase of rat brain and other tissues

Six forms of glutathione S-transferase (GST) designated as GST 9.3, GST 7.5, GST 6.6, GST 6.1, GST 5.7 and GST 4.9 have been purified to homogeneity from rat brain. All GST isoenzymes of rat brain are apparent homodimers of one of the three type subunits, Ya, Yb, or Yc. More than 60% of total GST activity of rat brain GST activity is associated with the isoenzymes containing only the Yb type of subunits. In these respects brain GST isoenzymes differ from those of lung and liver. The Ya, Yb, and Yc type subunits of brain GST are immunologically similar to the corresponding subunits of liver and lung GST. The isoelectric points and kinetic properties of the Yb type subunit dimers in brain are strikingly different from those of the Yb type dimers present among liver GST isoenzymes indicating subtle differences between these subunits of brain and liver.

Depression of glutathione in male reproductive tissues and potentiation of EMS-induced germ cell mutagenesis by L-buthionine sulfoximine

Buthionine sulfoximine (BSO) treatment significantly reduced testicular epididymal and vas deferens glutathione (GSH) levels in rats. Testicular levels of GSH were reduced by 20%, while epididymal GSH levels were reduced by more than 50%. BSO treatment correspondingly enhanced ethyl methanesulfonate (EMS)-induced dominant lethal mutations. EMS-induced resorption rates were doubled following BSO treatment. This effect was observed in mating wk 2 and 3 (d 8-19 following treatment), indicating effects on those germ cells which were in late testicular stages or were caput epididymal spermatozoa at the time of EMS treatment. The enhancement of the mutagenic action of EMS by BSO is restricted to the same time period (spermatid-spermatozoa transition, early epididymal maturation) as maximum sensitivity to the clastogenic action of EMS on male germ cells. The temporal pattern of EMS alkylation of rat spermatozoa correlated with the incidence of EMS-induced dominant lethal mutations. BSO depresses GSH in the male reproductive tract in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Perturbation of GSH in the male reproductive tract appears to influence chemical-induced germ cell mutations.

Purification and characterization of camel liver glutathione S-transferase

Glutathione S-transferases have been purified (18-fold) in 65-70% yield from the liver of one humped camel using affinity chromatography on glutathione-linked agarose. Chromatofocusing technique resolves the glutathione S-transferases into seven distinct isoenzymes with apparent pI of 8.7, 8.4, 8.0, 7.8, 7.3 and 6.5. The major isoenzyme (pI 8.7) which accounted for over 95% of the total activity was composed of two identical subunits of molecular mass 24,000 and was immunologically similar to the other six isoenzymes. The substrate specificities and the effect of various inhibitors on the activity of the abundant camel liver isoenzyme were also examined.

Differential inhibition of rat and human glutathione S-transferase isoenzymes by plant phenols

Glutathione S-transferase (GST) isoenzymes isolated from human tissues and rat liver are differentially inhibited by quercetin, alizarin, purpurogallin and ellagic acid. Rat liver GST isoenzymes are far more sensitive to these compounds as compared to the human GST isoenzymes. Among human GST, the anionic isoenzymes containing C type and A' type subunits are inhibited to a greater extent as compared to the cationic isoenzymes containing A and B type subunits. The anionic GST isoenzymes of human erythrocytes and placenta are differentially inhibited by these plant phenols indicating that the placental and erythrocyte isoenzymes may be distinct proteins.

Biochemical changes associated with the potentiation of acetaminophen hepatotoxicity by brief anesthesia with diethyl ether

Acetaminophen hepatotoxicity in male CD-1 mice was enhanced markedly by brief anesthesia with diethyl ether (ether), and particularly so if acetaminophen was given several hours after ether. The present study was conducted to examine the possible biochemical mechanisms behind this delayed toxicologic synergism. In vitro biochemical studies indicated that ether anesthesia produced a delayed reduction in the activities of glucuronyl transferase and glutathione (GSH) S-transferase, and in the hepatic content of GSH. The hepatic content but not activity of the cytochromes P-450 was initially reduced by ether but recovered by the time of maximal toxicologic enhancement. In vivo studies showed that ether produced a small decrease in the plasma concentrations of glucuronide and sulfate conjugates of acetaminophen, with a concomitant, minor increase in the half-life of acetaminophen, and a major increase in the bioactivation of acetaminophen, as determined by an early, 2-fold increase in the plasma GSH and cysteine conjugates of acetaminophen, and a 3-fold increase in the covalent binding of acetaminophen to hepatocellular protein. Decreases produced by ether in the in vivo production of acetaminophen glucuronide correlated with increasing plasma concentrations of unmetabolised acetaminophen, decreasing hepatic GSH content and increasing covalent binding of acetaminophen to hepatocellular protein when these measurements were performed in the same animals. The biochemical mechanisms underlying the potentiation of acetaminophen hepatoxicity as measured by plasma glutamic pyruvic transaminase concentrations appeared to be due to delayed, complex effects of ether upon multiple enzymatic pathways of acetaminophen elimination and detoxification.

Pathways involved in the metabolism and activation of polycyclic hydrocarbons

The metabolism and activation of the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons has been reviewed and the original contributions made to this area by Professor E. Boyland have been placed in context. The reactions involved in the formation, via epoxides, of hydroxylated derivatives have been outlined and conjugations with glucuronic and sulphuric acids and with glutathione have been discussed. Examples of secondary hydroxylation reactions have been given and the possible role that phenolic hydroxyl groups may play in activating epoxides considered. Mechanism by which polycyclic hydrocarbons are activated by metabolism to epoxides of various types have been included, mainly by reference to benzo[a]pyrene, benz[a]anthracene and chrysene. The tissue and species specific effects of polycyclic hydrocarbons have been referred to and the tissues that may act as targets in man for the initiation of malignancy by polycyclic hydrocarbons mentioned.

Dinitrophenyl glutathione efflux from human erythrocytes is primary active ATP-dependent transport

Dinitrophenyl S-glutathione is accumulated by inside-out vesicles made from human erythrocytes in a process totally dependent on ATP and Mg2+. The vesicles were shown to accumulate dinitrophenyl S-glutathione against a concentration gradient. The vesicles were able to concentrate this glutathione derivative even in the absence of membrane potential. This indicated that the ATP-dependent uptake of dinitrophenyl S-glutathione by inside-out vesicles represented an active transport process. Neither extravesicular EGTA nor intravesicular ouabain inhibited the transport process, indicating that neither the Ca2+-ATPase nor the Na+, K+-ATPase were involved. These results indicated that dinitrophenyl S-glutathione uptake by inside-out vesicles probably represented primary active transport. The uptake of dinitrophenyl S-glutathione was a linear function of time (up to 5 h) and vesicle protein. The rate of uptake was optimal between pH 7.0 and 8.0 and at 37 degrees C. The Km values determined for dinitrophenyl S-glutathione and ATP were 0.29 mM and 1 mM, respectively. The transport process was completely inhibited by vanadate and by p-hydroxymercuribenzene sulphonate and inhibited to a lesser extent by N-ethylmaleimide. GTP could efficiently substitute for ATP as an energy source for the transport process, but CTP and UTP were comparatively much less effective.

Anion-exchange high-performance liquid chromatography of glutathione S-transferases. Separation of the minor isoenzymes of human erythrocyte, heart and lung

Apparently homogeneous preparation of the acidic glutathione S-transferases were subjected to high-performance liquid chromatography over a SynChropak AX-300 anion-exchange column. Results of high-performance liquid chromatography analysis indicated that in each of these tissues the acidic glutathione S-transferases have one major and two minor isoenzymes. All the isoenzymes obtained by high-performance liquid chromatography are dimers of subunits of molecular weight (Mr) 22,500. The major isoenzymes of all the tissues, representing more than 80% of total glutathione S-transferase activity, have similar retention times and comparable kinetic properties. High-performance liquid chromatography profiles of the lung and heart isoenzymes are similar to each other but are significantly different from that of the erythrocytes. These studies provide evidence of microheterogeneity in the acidic isoenzymes of heart, lung and erythrocyte glutathione S-transferases and provide a rapid and efficient method for separation of minor isoenzymes in more than 95% yield.

Suppression of glutathione S-transferases in rat seminal vesicles or pituitary glands

We have studied the tissue-specific expression of GSH S-transferases in rat seminal vesicles and pituitary glands by in vitro translation and immunoprecipitation. The major GSH S-transferase subunit expressed in rat seminal vesicles belongs to the Yb mobility class whose expression diminishes when the rats are treated with pentobarbital. The pattern of GSH S-transferase expression in the pituitary gland is very similar to that of the rat brain with Yb size subunit(s) predominant. The Y beta size subunit is also expressed together with the Yc and Y delta subunits. The expression of GSH S-transferases was drastically reduced in pituitary gland poly(A) RNAs from diethylstilbestrol-treated, ovariectomized female rats. Xenobiotics such as phenobarbital, 3-methylcholanthrene, and trans-stilbene oxide induce rat liver GSH S-transferase activities, especially the Ya- and Yb-subunit containing isozymes. Induction of GSH S-transferases by a combination of the three xenobiotics is neither additive nor synergistic, however. Our results clearly demonstrate that GSH S-transferase expression in seminal vesicles and pituitary glands can be suppressed by phenobarbital and diethylstilbestrol, respectively. Our findings suggest that different GSH S-transferase isozymes respond differently to various xenobiotics. Both induction and suppression occur in rats treated with xenobiotics. This notion helps to explain the lack of additive or synergistic induction in rats treated with more than one xenobiotic.

Inhibition of rat liver glutathione S-transferases by glutathione conjugates and corresponding L-cysteines and mercapturic acids

Glutathione S-transferases from rat liver were partially purified by ion exchange chromatography. Active peaks, tentatively identified as containing the 1-2, 2-2, 3-3, 3-4, 4-4 and 5-5 isoenzymes were kept for study. The glutathione conjugates, S-hexyl-, S-benzyl- and S-(2,4-dinitrophenyl) L-glutathione were tested as inhibitors of the enzymes. The 1-2, 2-2, 3-3 and 3-4 fractions were inhibited to similar extents by these conjugates. For all enzymes the hexyl conjugate at 0.1 mM concentration was strongly inhibitory, the benzyl conjugate moderately so and the dinitrophenyl compound was only weakly inhibitory. In contrast, the epoxide conjugating activity in the 4-4 and 5-5 peak was barely affected by the substituted glutathiones at 0.1 mM concentrations. Studies on a purified ligandin (isoenzyme 1-2) from rat liver showed that further metabolism of the glutathione conjugates, to the corresponding cysteines or mercapturic acids, resulted in products with inhibitory properties approximately three orders of magnitude less potent than those of the parent S-substituted glutathiones.

Effect of o-benzyl-p-chlorophenol on drug-metabolizing enzymes in rats

o-Benzyl-p-chlorophenol (BCP) is widely used as a broad spectrum disinfectant. Treatment of male Fischer 344 rats with BCP resulted in an increase in cytochrome P-450 content and an accompanying decrease in aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase (AHH) activity in both liver and kidney microsomes. Several other drug-metabolizing enzymes were not affected by BCP treatment. However, in kidney, BCP induced NADPH-cytochrome c reductase and uridine diphosphate glucuronyl transferase activities and caused a small increase in total cytochrome P-450 content and glutathione concentration. The cytochrome P-450 isozymes induced by BCP were fractionated by high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC). The HPLC profile following BCP treatment most closely resembled that seen after phenobarbital. Using an immunoblotting procedure and a radioimmunoassay, it was shown that the increase in cytochrome P-450 content in the liver after BCP treatment was, in part, due to an increase in the phenobarbital-inducible isozymes, P-450b + e. In the kidney, the increase in total cytochrome P-450 content after BCP exposure was not due to an increase in P-450b + e. The decrease in AHH activity appeared to be caused by noncompetitive inhibition of constitutive AHH activity by BCP. BCP also inhibited benzphetamine demethylation, although to a lesser extent. The failure to observe an increase in benzphetamine demethylase activity in vivo, despite the induction of P-450b, was probably due to the concomitant induction and inhibition of drug-metabolizing enzymes by BCP.

Effect of diethyl ether on the bioactivation, detoxification, and hepatotoxicity of acetaminophen in vitro and in vivo

Our working hypothesis for designing this study involved early inhibition by ether of P-450-dependent bioactivation and glucuronyl transferase-dependent "detoxification", with an earlier recovery of bioactivation. The combined in vivo and in vitro results from the same animals indicate that the increased susceptibility to acetaminophen hepatotoxicity may have been due to a combination of delayed decreases induced by ether in the activities of glucuronyl transferase, sulfotransferase and GSH S-transferase, along with a depletion of hepatic GSH. The small decrease in hepatic content of cytochromes P-450 at 2 hr when toxicologic enhancement was minimal, together with repletion at 8 hr when enhancement was maximal, while the above detoxification pathways were inhibited, is compatible with our hypothesis. However, the lack of an accompanying change in the activity of P-450 suggests either that a different P-450 isoenzyme is involved, or that P-450 activity was not toxicologically limiting. The toxicological imbalance in the bioactivation and detoxification of acetaminophen observed after ether pretreatment was evidenced by significant increases both in the plasma concentrations of GSH and cysteine conjugates, and in the covalent binding of acetaminophen to hepatocellular protein.

Distribution and properties of glutathione S-transferase from T. infestans

The glutathione transferase from T. infestans is able to render aqueous metabolites when incubated in vitro with malathion, parathion and fenitrothion. It is a soluble enzyme present in every developmental stage and widely distributed in all insect organs. The purification procedure applied, consisting of fractionation with ammonium sulfate and Bio-Gel P-60 chromatography, gives an unique molecular form catalytically active using methyl iodide as substrate in polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE). One of the most active substrates is the 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene (CDNB), with an activity maximum at pH 7.5 and at 45 degrees C temperature. Its activation energy calculated from an Arrhenius plot is 14,846 cal mol-1. The enzyme susceptibility to inhibition by thiol reagents shows three degrees of responses; slight, moderate or high, depending on the compounds used. The kinetics of the enzyme catalysed reaction with the purified fraction is complex, and resembles that reported for glutathione S-transferase A from rat liver, showing a biphasic kinetic mechanism in which the reaction pathway depends on the concentration of GSH. In general, the properties of this insect enzyme are similar to those enzymes isolated from vertebrate organisms.

Different forms of human liver glutathione S-transferases arise from dimeric combinations of at least four immunologically and functionally distinct subunits

Four immunologically distinct subunits were characterized in glutathione (GSH) S-transferases of human liver. Five cationic enzymes (pI 8.9, 8.5, 8.3, 8.2 and 8.0) have an apparently similar subunit composition, and are dimers of 26 500-Mr (A) and 24 500-Mr (B) subunits. A neutral enzyme, pI 6.8, is a dimer of B-type subunits. One of the anionic enzymes, pI 5.5, is also a dimer of 26 500-Mr subunits. However, the 26 500-Mr subunits of this anionic enzyme form are immunologically distinct from the A subunits of the cationic enzymes, and have been designated as A'. Immunoabsorption studies with the neutral enzyme, BB, and the antibodies raised against the cationic enzymes (AB) indicate that A and B subunits are immunologically distinct. Hybridization in vitro of the A and B subunits of the cationic enzymes (AB) results in the expected binary combinations of AA, AB and BB. Studies with the hybridized enzyme forms indicate that only the A subunits express GSH peroxidase activity. A' subunits have maximum affinity for p-nitrobenzyl chloride and p-nitrophenyl acetate, and the B subunits have highest activity towards 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene. The other anionic form, pI 4.5, present in liver is a heterodimer of 22 500-Mr (C) and B subunits. The C subunits of this enzyme are probably the same as the 22 500-Mr subunits present in human lung and placental GSH transferases. The distinct immunological nature of B and C subunits was also demonstrated by immunoaffinity and subunit-hybridization studies. The results of two-dimensional polyacrylamide-gel-electrophoretic analyses indicate that in human liver GSH transferases, three charge isomers of Mr 26 500 (A type), two charge isomers of Mr 24 500 (B type) and two charge isomers of Mr 22 500 (C type) subunits are present.

Germ-cell mutagenesis and GSH depression in reproductive tissue of the F-344 rat induced by ethyl methanesulfonate

Sensitivity of male F-344 rats to the dominant lethal (DL) mutagenic effect of ethyl methanesulfonate (EMS) was studied in conjunction with an evaluation of EMS-induced depression of glutathione (GSH) in testis, epididymis and vas deferens. At the maximal effect, during week 3 (days 15-19 post-EMS), a dosage of 50 mg/kg caused 13.3% fetal death (FD) vs. 3.3% in controls, while 100 mg/kg caused 56.6% FD in the same interval. EMS maximally depressed GSH to 33%, 54% and 77% of control in vas, epididymis and testis respectively. The slope of the DL dose-response curve for EMS in rats shows a 3-4-fold greater sensitivity than that reported for mice. The steepness of this curve suggests that small perturbations in endogenous protective mechanisms, such as GSH depression, may exert a greater proportional effect on germ-cell mutagenesis in rats which should be more readily observable than in mice. EMS and other electrophilic toxicants may thus influence their own primary reproductive toxicity and/or that of other agents by depression of GSH in male reproductive tissue.

Hepatic glutathione S-transferase activity and aflatoxin B1-induced enzyme altered foci in rats fed fractions of brussels sprouts

The aim of the present study was to determine whether the liver cytosol detoxication enzymes, glutathione S-transferases (GSTases) as well as gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) foci induced by aflatoxin B1 (AFB) were changed by feeding weanling rats diets containing brussels sprouts, a glucosinolate fraction of brussels sprouts (extract), or a non-glucosinolate fraction (residue). All 3 of these diets induced high levels of hepatic GSTase specific activity as compared to purified-basal diet fed control rats. The brussels sprouts and the extract treatments, but not the residue dietary treatment, inhibited hepatic GGT foci induced by AFB. Thus, glucosinolates and non-glucosinolate fractions of brussels sprouts induce hepatic enzymes involved in detoxication mechanisms but the non-glucosinolate compound(s) apparently are not involved in all chemical carcinogen metabolic processes.

Isoenzymes of glutathione transferase in rat kidney cytosol

Glutathione transferases from rat kidney cytosol were purified about 40-fold by chromatography on S-hexylglutathione linked to epoxy-activated Sepharose 6B. Further purification by fast protein liquid chromatography with chromatofocusing in the pH interval 10.6-7.6 resolved five major peaks of activity with 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene as the second substrate. Four of the peaks were identified with rat liver transferases 1-1, 1-2, 2-2 and 4-4 respectively. The criteria used for identification included physical properties, reactions with specific antibodies, substrate specificities and sensitivities to several inhibitors. The fourth major peak is a 'new' form of transferase, which has not been found in rat liver. This isoenzyme, glutathione transferase 7-7, has a lower apparent subunit Mr than any of the transferases isolated from rat liver cytosol, and does not react with antibodies raised against the liver enzymes. Glutathione transferases 3-3 and 3-4, which are abundant in liver, were only present in very small amounts. In a separate chromatofocusing separation in a lower pH interval, an additional peak was eluted at pH 6.3. This isoenzyme is characterized by its high activity with ethacrynic acid.

Purification and characterization of the two forms of glutathione S-transferase present in human lens

Human lens has two forms of glutathione S-transferase having pI values of greater than 10 and 4.4. Both of these enzymes may have been purified to an apparent homogeneity from normal human lenses using glutathione affinity chromatography and isoelectric focusing. These two isoenzymes are significantly different from each other in their kinetic, structural, and immunological properties. The cationic form (pI greater than 10) is a dimer of Mr 24 500 subunits whereas the anionic form (pI 4.4) is a dimer of Mr 22 500 subunits. Neither of the two forms express selenium-independent glutathione peroxidase II activity.

Interactions with glutathione S-transferases of porphyrins used in photodynamic therapy and naturally occurring porphyrins

Several naturally occurring porphyrins and porphyrins used in photodynamic therapy inhibit glutathione S-transferase isoenzymes either purified from rat liver or lung or in cytosol from normal and from cancerous (Morris 7288C hepatoma) liver. Although differences occur in the type and amount of transferases in normal and cancerous liver and in the liver of rats bearing an extrahepatic tumour, these enzymes are potential binding sites for porphyrins. Porphyrin structure is an important factor in determining the affinity of binding, as shown by the relative inhibitory effectiveness. Of the dicarboxylic porphyrins in the mixture used clinically, OO'-diacetylhaematoporphyrin and monohydroxyethylmonovinyldeuteroporphyrin are more effective inhibitors than haematoporphyrin and protoporphyrin IX. Of the naturally occurring porphyrins the order of effectiveness is protoporphyrin IX (dicarboxylic) greater than coproporphyrin (tetracarboxylic) greater than uroporphyrin (octacarboxylic) and type I greater than type III isomers of both uroporphyrin and coproporphyrin, and the synthetic tetra-meso-phenylporphinetetrasulphonate is a better inhibitor (apparent Ki = 250 nM) than coproporphyrin, which contains a comparable number of negative charges. In addition, iron-porphyrin chelates are more effective inhibitors of the transferases, with 25-fold decrease in Ki value, than the free porphyrins. These results indicate that one means whereby porphyrins accumulate in tissues is the occupation of intracellular binding sites, such as the transferases. Since porphyrins inhibit the activity of these important detoxifying enzymes, there will be metabolic consequences to the cell.

Selective expression of glutathione transferase isoenzymes in chemically induced preneoplastic rat hepatocyte nodules

Isoenzymes of glutathione transferase were shown to occur at selectively altered levels in rat hepatocyte nodules produced by 2-acetylaminofluorene treatment. Changes were measured by different substrates, antibodies raised against purified glutathione transferases, and by purification of the major isoenzymes. Isoenzymes composed of subunits 1, 2 and 3, expressed in normal liver tissue, all occurred at increased concentrations in nodules, whereas the level of transferase 4-4 was decreased. The most conspicuous change was the appearance of glutathione transferase 7-7 (or transferase P), the concentration of which in negligible in normal liver.

Characterization of glutathione S-transferases of human cornea

Two cationic (pIs 9.1 and 7.6) and one anionic (pI 4.4) forms of glutathione S-transferase have been purified to an apparent homogeneity from human cornea using glutathione-linked affinity chromatography and isoelectric focusing. The substrate specificities of the three enzyme forms are significantly different from each other. None of the three forms of human cornea glutathione S-transferase express glutathione peroxidase II activity. Immunological and structural studies reveal that human cornea enzymes have structural similarities with glutathione S-transferases of other human tissues.

Glutathione S-transferases of human brain. Evidence for two immunologically distinct types of 26500-Mr subunits

Human brain contains one cationic (pI8.3) and two anionic (pI5.5 and 4.6) forms of glutathione S-transferase. The cationic form (pI8.3) and the less-anionic form (pI5.5) do not correspond to any of the glutathione S-transferases previously characterized in human tissues. Both of these forms are dimers of 26500-Mr subunits; however, immunological and catalytic properties indicate that these two enzyme forms are different from each other. The cationic form (pI8.3) cross-reacts with antibodies raised against cationic glutathione S-transferases of human liver, whereas the anionic form (pI5.5) does not. Additionally, only the cationic form expresses glutathione peroxidase activity. The other anionic form (pI4.6) is a dimer of 24500-Mr and 22500-Mr subunits. Two-dimensional gel electrophoresis demonstrates that there are three types of 26500-Mr subunits, two types of 24500-Mr subunits and two types of 22500-Mr subunits present in the glutathione S-transferases of human brain.

Rat lung glutathione S-transferases: subunit structure and the interrelationship with the liver enzymes

Six forms of glutathione S-transferases designated as GSH S-transferase I (pI 8.8), II (pI 7.2), III (pI 6.8), IV (pI 6.0), V (pI 5.3) and VI (pI 4.8) have been purified from rat lung. GSH S-transferase I (pI 8.8) is a homodimer of Mr 25,000 subunits; GSH S-transferases II (pI 7.2) and VI (pI 4.8) are homodimers of Mr 22,000 subunits; and GSH S-transferases III (pI 6.8), IV (pI 6.0) and V (pI 5.3) are dimers composed of Mr 23,500 and 22,000 subunits. Immunological properties, peptide fragmentation analysis, and substrate specificity data indicate that Mr 22,000, 23,500 and 25,000, are distinct from each other and correspond to Ya, Yb, and Yc subunits, respectively, of rat liver.

Binding of benzo(a)pyrene to rat lung glutathione S-transferases in vivo

A highly selective in vivo binding of benzo(a)pyrene to rat lung glutathione S-transferases is demonstrated. Benzo(a)pyrene or its metabolites are specifically bound to Ya' and Yc subunits of rat lung glutathione S-transferases.

Enhanced metabolism of volatile hydrocarbons in rat liver following food deprivation, restricted carbohydrate intake, and administration of ethanol, phenobarbital, polychlorinated biphenyl and 3-methylcholanthrene: a comparative study

The effects of food deprivation, carbohydrate restriction and ethanol consumption on the metabolism of eight volatile hydrocarbons (benzene, toluene, styrene, chloroform, carbon tetrachloride, 1,2-dichloroethane, 1,1-dichloroethylene and trichloroethylene) in rats were compared with the effects of enzyme induction by phenobarbital (PB), polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) and 3-methylcholanthrene (MC) on the metabolism of these compounds. Although causing a marked increase both in microsomal protein and cytochrome p-450 contents, PB (80 mg/kg per day for three days) and PCB (a single dose of 500 mg/kg) induced only a limited range of enzyme activity: PB increased the metabolism of toluene, styrene, chloroform, carbon tetrachloride and trichloroethylene, and PCB only increased those of toluene, styrene and trichloroethylene. MC (20 mg/kg per day for three days) had no effect on the metabolism of any of the hydrocarbons studied. In contrast, food deprivation, carbohydrate restriction and three-week ingestion of ethanol (2.0 g/day), each enhanced the metabolism of all the hydrocarbons with little or no increase in microsomal protein and cytochrome P-450 contents. PB, PCB and MC treatments enhanced the activity of enzymes involved in conjugation reactions, UDP-glucuronyltransferase and glutathione S-transferase, whereas the dietary manipulation and ethanol consumption produced no significant effect on these enzymes. It is concluded that ethanol consumption. lowered carbohydrate intake and food deprivation affect the metabolism and toxicity of volatile hydrocarbons differently from PB, PCB or MC.

Subunit structure of human and rat glutathione S-transferases

In rat tissues different forms of glutathione (GSH) S-transferases represent various dimeric combinations of at least four different classes of subunits categorized on the basis of their Mr values as seen on polyacrylamide gels. These subunit types represent heterogeneous populations and the actual number of subunits in rat GSH S-transferases may be far more than is known at present. Human GSH S-transferases arise from dimeric combinations of at least four immunologically and functionally distinct subunits which can be classified into three types, A (Mr 26,500), B (Mr 24,500) and C (Mr 22,500). There is evidence for considerable charge heterogeneity in each of these subunit types.

Purification and characterization of a new form of glutathione S-transferase from human erythrocytes

Presence of a new form of glutathione S-transferase has been demonstrated in human erythrocytes. Using two different affinity ligands this enzyme has been separated from the previously characterized glutathione S-transferases rho. The new enzyme is highly basic with a pI of greater than 10. The new enzyme which represents less than 5 percent of glutathione-S-transferase activity towards 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene as substrate and about 10 percent of total glutathione S-transferase protein of erythrocytes has different amino acid composition, substrate specificities, and immunological characteristics from those of the major erythrocyte glutathione S-transferase rho. Immunological properties of the new enzyme indicate that this form may be different from other glutathione S-transferases of human tissues.