Glutathione s epoxide transferase in mouse skin and human foreskin

Abstract

Glutathione S epoxide transferase activity in skin was determined in six mouse strains as well as in human foreskin (from 2 to 4 day old neonates) using two substrates, styrene oxide and 3 methylcholanthrene 11,12 oxide. Of the strains used in this study, the highest enzyme activity was noted in the skin of the Balb/c mouse. The enzyme was not inducible in skin by prior administration of 3 methylcholanthrene to the mice. Human foreskin activity was lower than that present in the adult mouse skin and ranged from 1.93 to 5.28 with styrene oxide (at 22°C) and 0.17 to 0.46 nmoles/mg protein/5 min with 3 methylcholanthrene 11,12 oxide (at 37°C) as substrates.