Functions of Glutathione in Drug Metabolism

Abstract

The liver cytochrome P-450 monooxygenase system can be responsible for generation of a variety of reactive metabolites, including hydrogen peroxide, aldehydes, and epoxides which, unless inactivated by further metabolism, may produce cytotoxicity. In this study we have examined the role of glutathione (GSH) in detoxification of such reactive species in isolated hepytocytes by investigating (1) the role of glutathione peroxidase in H2O2 decomposition, (2) the role of formaldehyde dehydrogenase in HCHO oxidation, and (3) the role of GSH in bromobenzene metabolism.