Search PubMed⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

G J Mulder

Publications and source records attributed to G J Mulder.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

Induction of apoptosis and changes in nuclear G-actin are mediated by different pathways: the effect of inhibitors of protein and RNA synthesis in isolated rat hepatocytes.

Stressor-induced changes in the cytoskeleton, of which actin is a major component, may lead to apoptosis. The role of drug-induced changes in nuclear G-actin and apoptosis was studied in freshly isolated hepatocytes. Several protein synthesis inhibitors, cycloheximide, puromycin, and emetine, induced 10 to 15% apoptosis in hepatocytes after 4 h, as was determined by changes in nuclear morphology and flow cytometric analysis of Annexin V-positive cells. Apoptosis induced by protein synthesis inhibition could be prevented by the caspase inhibitors Z-Val-Ala-DL-Asp fluormethylketone (zVAD-fmk) and Ac-Asp-Glu-Val-Asp-aldehyde (DEVD-cho). Several (chemical) stressors cause a rapid increase in nuclear G-actin staining in hepatocytes or cell lines (Meijerman et al., Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun. 240, 697-700, 1997). The protein synthesis inhibitors also increased G-actin staining in nuclei after 2 h; this could not be inhibited by zVAD-fmk or DEVD-cho. Changes in the cytosolic F-actin pattern did not occur until nuclear G-actin staining had already increased. The mRNA synthesis inhibitor actinomycin D, also increased nuclear G-actin staining, but did not induce apoptosis within the studied time frame. The results suggest that the induction of apoptosis and the increased nuclear staining of G-actin by protein synthesis inhibition are differently controlled.

Actins↗

Interleukin-2-activated natural killer cells can induce both apoptosis and necrosis in rat hepatocytes.

Natural killer (NK) cells play a crucial role in the elimination of virus-infected or transformed cells in the liver. In this article, we describe the mechanism by which liver cells are killed by NK cells. Interleukin-2-activated natural killer (A-NK) cells from the rat induced apoptotic cell death in 30% of freshly isolated rat hepatocytes within 60 minutes. Recognition by the A-NK cells of the hepatocytes as nonself was established by masking the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I molecules on the hepatocytes with the OX18 antibody. During the killing process, a decrease of the mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), formation of blebs, phosphatidyl serine (PS) externalization, chromatin condensation, and nuclear fragmentation were observed. The hepatocytes became apoptotic before permeabilization of the plasma membrane occurred, suggesting that the observed cytolysis was caused by secondary necrosis. The apoptotic process was completely abolished by the caspase inhibitors, Z-Val-Ala-DL-Asp fluormethylketone (zVAD-fmk) and Ac-Asp-Glu-Val-aldehyde (DEVD-cho). However, under these conditions, A-NK cells killed a smaller fraction of the hepatocytes by (primary) necrosis. These results indicate that apoptosis is the major cytotoxic process induced by A-NK cells in hepatocytes. If apoptosis is prevented, a more limited necrotic effect is induced. Therefore, this study shows that NK cells are fully equipped to induce both apoptosis and necrosis in hepatocytes, but appear to prefer the apoptotic route.

Animals↗

Potentiation of the cytostatic effect of melphalan on colorectal cancer hepatic metastases by infusion of buthionine sulfoximine (BSO) in the rat: enhanced tumor glutathione depletion by infusion of BSO in the hepatic artery.

PURPOSE: Glutathione (GSH) plays an important role in the resistance of tumors to cytostatics. Therefore, depletion of GSH by the GSH synthesis inhibitor buthionine sulfoximine (BSO) has been proposed to enhance the efficacy of certain anticancer agents. We studied the effect of BSO in rats bearing intrahepatically implanted tumors of the CC531 colorectal cancer cell line on the antitumor activity of melphalan (L-PAM). Since these liver tumors tend to derive most of their blood supply from the hepatic artery, we evaluated whether delivery of BSO into the hepatic artery would more selectively decrease GSH levels in the implanted tumor tissue as compared with normal liver and extrahepatic tissues. METHODS: Tumor-bearing rats were treated with a 24-h continuous infusion of 0.375 mmol/ kg BSO via the jugular vein, immediately followed by a bolus L-PAM (15 micromol/kg; 4.5 mg/kg) infusion via the hepatic artery. Laparotomy was performed on day 14 and 28 after treatment for measurement of the liver tumors. For the evaluation of locoregional administration of BSO, a 24-h continuous infusion of 0.375 mmol/kg BSO was delivered into either the hepatic artery, the portal vein, or the jugular vein in freely moving rats and GSH levels in the tumor, liver, kidney, lung, heart, bone marrow, and blood were measured. RESULTS: BSO infusion via the jugular vein increased the antitumor efficacy of L-PAM injected into the hepatic artery 2-fold as determined at 14 days after treatment. Although infusion of BSO via the hepatic artery depleted GSH more severely in the tumor as compared with jugular vein or portal vein administration, the additional effect was only slight (10%). No difference was observed in any other tissue. CONCLUSION: GSH depletion increased the cytostatic efficacy of L-PAM 2-fold in vivo as determined at 14 days after treatment. Hepatic artery infusion of BSO translated into a statistically significant, but probably not therapeutically relevant, increase in tumor GSH depletion as compared with the other routes of BSO administration.

Animals↗

Inhibition of glutathione conjugation in the rat in vivo by analogues of glutathione conjugates.

Glutathione (GSH) conjugation plays an important role in (de-)toxification of its substrates in vivo. We have developed inhibitors of GSH conjugation that are active in the rat in vivo which are derived from the structure of GSH conjugates: they contain a backbone of gamma-L-Glu-D-2-aminoadipic acid that is virtually isosteric with the gamma-L-Glu-L-Cys-Gly structure of GSH. In addition, a hydrophobic alkyl group is attached such that it may interact with the H-site of the enzyme. Finally, the carboxyl groups were esterified with alcohols of varying chain length. The results show that all these compounds preferentially inhibit alpha-GST's 1-1 and 2-2, have less effect on mu isoenzymes 3-3 and 4-4, and finally, have little effect on rat theta (G.J. Mulder, S. Ouwerkerk-Mahadevan, Modulation of glutathione conjugation in vivo: How to decrease glutathione conjugation in vivo or in intact cellular systems in vitro, Chem. Biol. Interact. 105 (1997) 17-34) and pi (S. Ouwerkerk-Mahadevan, J.H. van Boom, M.C. Dreef-Tromp, J.H.T.M. Ploemen, D.J. Meyer, G.J. Mulder, Glutathione analogues as novel inhibitors of rat and human glutathione S-transferase isoenzymes, as well as of glutathione conjugation in isolated rat hepatocytes and the rat in vivo, Bioche. J., 308 (1995) 283-290). Several of the compounds inhibit the GSH conjugation of bromsulfophthalein and (S)-2-bromisovalerylurea in hepatocytes, in the situ recirculating rat liver perfusion and in the rat in vivo (after i.v. administration). The most effective compound contains a 2-heptylamine group linked as an amide to the 1-carboxyl group of the aminoadipic acid moiety at the H-site, and an ethyl ester at the 5-carboxylic acid group of aminoadipic acid.

Animals↗

Cisplatin effects on F-actin and matrix proteins precede renal tubular cell detachment and apoptosis in vitro.

In primary cultures of porcine proximal tubular kidney cells and LLC-PK1 cells cisplatin (5 - 50 microM) caused apoptosis and cell detachment; in both systems cell detachment occurred, preceded by a loss of cytoskeletal F-actin stress fibers within 4 - 6 h, and a reduction of mRNA encoding for fibronectin, collagen a2 type (IV) and laminin B2 within 17 - 41 h. Prevention of F-actin damage by phalloidin prevented nuclear fragmentation, suggesting a relation between F-actin damage and apoptosis. Overexpression of Bcl-2 also prevented apoptosis, but did not prevent damage to the F-actin skeleton or the reduction of mRNA expression of the matrix proteins. These results suggest that Bcl-2 overexpression interferes with apoptotic signals downstream of F-actin. The relevance of these results for cell detachment in kidney toxicity is discussed.

Actins↗

Immunohistochemical visualization of wild-type p53 protein in paraffin-embedded rat liver using tyramide amplification: zonal hepatic distribution of p53 protein after N-hydroxy-2-acetylaminofluorene administration.

P53 protein plays an important role in regulation of the cell cycle. Recently, a role in tumour genesis has also been suggested. The protein is induced after various forms of DNA damage. Immunohistochemical detection of p53 protein showed positive cells in human skin after UV-irradiation, in mouse skin after benzo[a]pyrene treatment and in mouse spleen, thymus and bone after gamma-irradiation. However, no staining was found in mouse and rat liver with traditional immunohistochemical staining methods due to the low amount of p53 present. This seriously hampered studies on the role of p53 in hepatocarcinogenesis. We have developed a more sensitive immunohistochemical method for staining of p53 in paraffin-embedded sections of rat liver using microwave irradiation for antigen retrieval, avidin-biotin complexing and tyramide amplification. A strong, specific fluorescence signal for p53 was found in hepatocytes of rats that had received the hepatocarcinogen N-hydroxy-2-acetylaminofluorene; in control liver no such p53 staining was observed. The fluorescence was located in the nucleus of hepatocytes in zone 1 of the liver. This agrees with the fact that N-hydroxy-2-acetylaminofluorene causes cytotoxicity in this zone.

Animals↗

Nuclear accumulation of G-actin in isolated rat hepatocytes by adenine nucleotides.

Extracellular ATP induces bleb formation in isolated rat hepatocytes. We examined the effect of extracellular ATP on the actin cytoskeleton of these hepatocytes. Exposure to 100 microM ATP caused pronounced nuclear accumulation of G-actin. ADP, AMP, adenosine, and dibutyryl-cAMP induced the same effect. Adenosine deaminase could inhibit both ATP- and adenosine-induced nuclear accumulation. The P2-receptor agonists, UTP and 2' & 3'-O-(4-benzoylbenzoyl)-adenosine 5'-triphosphate, did not induce this redistribution of G-actin. Phalloidin, which prevents depolymerisation of F-actin filaments to G-actin monomers, inhibited adenosine-induced nuclear accumulation of G-actin. These observations suggest that nuclear accumulation of G-actin is mediated by adenosine receptors.

Actins↗

Modulation of glutathione conjugation in vivo: how to decrease glutathione conjugation in vivo or in intact cellular systems in vitro.

Glutathione conjugation is involved in detoxification and toxification of a variety of electrophilic substrates. Thus it plays a major role in protection against reactive intermediates. At the same time this conjugation may cause resistance of tumor cells against certain cytostatics. In this review the methods available to decrease glutathione conjugation in vivo are discussed. So far the only in vivo active inhibitors of glutathione S-transferases are ethacrynic acid and a number of glutathione-derived structures; the latter seem very promising for further development. For (chronic) glutathione-depletion, buthionine sulfoximine is most effective, and surprisingly safe in clinical studies. Diethylmaleate can be used for acute depletion. Inhibition of glutathione transferases offers advantages over glutathione depletion as a method of decreasing glutathione conjugation since inhibition may be accomplished without changing the activities of other glutathione-dependent reactions in the cell. However, clinically safe, in vivo effective and isoenzyme-selective glutathione S-transferase inhibitors have not yet been developed.

Animals↗

Effect of coexposure to methyl ethyl ketone (MEK) on n-hexane toxicokinetics in human volunteers.

In order to study the effects of methyl ethyl ketone (MEK) on the toxicokinetics of n-hexane and, in particular, the formation of 2,5-hexanedione from n-hexane in humans, volunteers were exposed to n-hexane (approx. 60 ppm, 2.4 microM in the inhaled air) with or without simultaneous inhalatory coexposure to MEK for 15.5 min. The concentration-time course of n-hexane (in exhaled alveolar air) and its neurotoxic metabolite, 2,5-hexanedione (in serum), were studied. The concentration-time courses obtained after exposure to n-hexane alone were compared with those obtained after coexposure to 200 or 300 ppm MEK in the same volunteer on the same day. No effect of MEK was observed on the concentration-time course of exhaled n-hexane. The concentration-time course of the metabolite, 2,5-hexanedione, revealed a decrease in the rate of formation of 2,5-hexanedione (about three-fold) after coexposure to MEK. Furthermore, the time to reach the peak concentration was increased from 18 to 30 min after the start of exposure. These changes in the concentration-time course of 2,5-hexanedione caused by MEK are most likely the result of inhibition of the biotransformation of one of the intermediate steps in the conversion of n-hexane to 2,5-hexanedione. These results indicate that the interaction of n-hexane and MEK leads to a decreased concentration of the neurotoxic metabolite 2,5-hexanedione (after short-term, acute exposure).

Administration, Inhalation↗

Abnormal glutathione conjugation in patients with tyrosinaemia type I.

Previous studies have suggested that tyrosinaemia type I may be associated with reduced glutathione availability due to conjugation of tyrosinaemia-associated reactive intermediates with glutathione. In the present study, the glutathione/ glutathione S-transferase system of two tyrosinaemia patients and three healthy controls were characterized by administering the racemic sedative drug bromisoval, a probe drug for assessing glutathione conjugation activity in vivo. Furthermore, concentrations of glutathione and glutathione S-transferase class alpha (GSTA) isoenzymes as well as the glutathione S-transferase class mu phenotype were assessed in the blood of six tyrosinaemia patients. The excretion of bromisoval mercapturates in healthy children was comparable to that observed in healthy adults. Tyrosinaemia patients were found to have a very high urinary recovery of bromisoval mercapturates (> or = 60% of the dose compared to about 30% for healthy, age-matched children and adults), which could be attributed mainly to a higher urinary excretion of the mercapturate derived from S-bromisoval. Healthy children and adults predominantly excrete the (R)-bromisoval mercapturate. The differences in amount excreted as well as in stereoselectivity of the urinary excretion of bromisoval mercapturates in tyrosinaemia patients are possibly related to an increased activity of specific glutathione S-transferase isoenzymes. Plasma glutathione and blood cell glutathione disulphide concentrations in tyrosinaemia patients were normal. Low blood cell glutathione concentrations were in general found only in two patients with a poor clinical condition. These results indicate that, in contrast to previous suggestions, reduced glutathione availability is not a generalized problem in (stabilized) tyrosinaemia patients.

Adult↗

p53 protein expression by hepatocarcinogens in the rat liver and its potential role in mitoinhibition of normal hepatocytes as a mechanism of hepatic tumour promotion.

The tumour suppressor gene p53 is expressed in response to DNA-damage; its protein product blocks cells in the G1-phase of the cell cycle. This gives cells additional time to repair their DNA-damage. However, it may trigger apoptosis if damage is too high. Loss of p53 function appears to be an important step in carcinogenesis because 50% of human tumours have lost functional p53. In order to study the role of p53 in experimental hepatocarcinogenesis, we determined the expression of p53 in rat liver in response to various hepatocarcinogenic and hepatotoxic compounds. Administration of hepatocarcinogenic compounds increased p53 protein levels in the liver as detected by immunoprecipitation followed by SDS-PAGE and Western blotting with ECL-detection. The hepatocarcinogens included N-hydroxy-2-acetylaminofluorene, aflatoxin B1, and diethylnitrosamine. Their structural analogues N-hydroxy-4-acetylaminobiphenyl and ethyl methane-sulphonate which are not hepatocarcinogenic, did not induce p53. Also, two hepatotoxic compounds (carbon tetrachloride, D-galactosamine) did not induce p53. Other compounds that induced p53 in the rat liver were 2-aminofluorene (administered by drinking water for two weeks) and tris-(2,3-dibromopropyl)phosphate. Benzo[a]pyrene did not induce p53. N-Hydroxy-2-acetylaminofluorene, aflatoxin B1, and diethylnitrosamine are potent hepatic tumour promoters. At the same time, they induce p53 protein expression and inhibit proliferation of normal hepatocytes. Because this is not observed with non-hepatocarcinogenic analogues, it suggests an involvement of p53 expression in hepatic tumour promotion. A possible mechanism is discussed.

Alanine Transaminase↗

Cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity in porcine proximal tubular cells: mitochondrial dysfunction by inhibition of complexes I to IV of the respiratory chain.

Cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity was studied in porcine proximal tubular cells, focusing on the relationship between mitochondrial damage, reactive oxygen species (ROS) and cell death. Cisplatin specifically affected mitochondrial functions: complexes I to IV of the respiratory chain were inhibited 15 to 55% after 20 min of incubation with 50 to 500 microM, respectively. As a result, intracellular ATP was decreased to 70%. The mitochondrial glutathione (reduced form) (GSH)-regenerating enzyme GSH-reductase (GSH-Rd) activity was reduced by 20%, which contributed to a 70% reduction of GSH levels and ROS formation. The residual electron flow through the mitochondrial respiratory chain was the source of ROS because additional inhibition of the complexes I to IV reduced ROS formation. Because cisplatin affects both GSH-Rd and complexes I to IV, cells were incubated with N,N'-bis(2-chloroethyl)-N-nitrosourea (inhibitor of GSH-Rd) and inhibitors of the different complexes. Only N,N'-bis(2-chloroethyl)-N-nitrosourea with rotenone (complex I inhibitor) induced ROS formation, which indicates that inhibition of complex I and inhibition of the GSH-Rd is probably the cause of ROS formation. However, the resulting ROS is not the cause of cell death because diphenyl-p-phenylene-diamine and deferoxamine, which completely prevented ROS, could not prevent cell death. Similarly, the antioxidants did not completely prevent the decrease in activity of complexes I to IV, ATP or GSH levels. In conclusion, ROS formation does occur during cisplatin-induced toxicity, but it is not the direct cause of cell death.

Adenosine Triphosphate↗

Inhibition of glutathione conjugation by glutathione analogues in the perfused rat liver. Effect of esterification on the potency of gamma-L-glutamyl-alpha-(D-2-aminoadipyl)-N-2-heptylamine.

To assess the role of GST's (glutathione S-transferases) in the (de)toxification of their substrates, an in vivo active inhibitor based on the structure of glutathione (GSH), gamma-L-glutamyl-alpha-(D-2-aminoadipyl)-N-2-heptylamine monoethyl ester (Et-R-Hep), was developed. To increase its effectivity, analogues esterified with alkyl chains of varying lengths and one diesterified derivative (DiEt-R-Hep) were synthesized. The unesterified analogue, R-Hep, was also tested. Their isoenzyme selectivity was characterized using purified rat GST isoenzymes. Furthermore, the extent of inhibition of the GSH conjugation of (RS)-2-bromoisovalerylurea (BIU) was evaluated in rat liver cytosol, isolated hepatocytes, and in liver perfusions. All compounds inhibited Alpha- (1-1 and 2-2) more effectively than Mu (3-3 and 4-4) class GSTs; Pi-(5-5) and Theta (7-7) classes were minimally inhibited. The unesterified R-Hep was the most effective inhibitor towards purified isoenzymes; its Ki value towards GST 3-3 (S-BIU as substrate) was 27 microM. The mono ethyl ester derivative, Et-R-Hep (Ki 270 microM for 3-3), was the most potent inhibitor in hepatocytes and in the perfused liver: 50 microM inhibited the conjugation of (S)-BIU by 50%. Longer ester chains or diesterification did not increase the inhibitory potency; R-Hep had less inhibitory activity. In all systems, only the (S)-enantiomer of BIU, which is conjugated mainly by Alpha class GSTs, was inhibited, confirming Alpha isoenzyme selective inhibition.

Animals↗

Lack of glutathione conjugation of melphalan in the isolated in situ liver perfusion in humans.

Tumor cell resistance against melphalan (LPAM) has been associated with increased cellular reduced glutathione (GSH) levels and glutathione S-transferase activity. Therefore, GSH conjugation of LPAM has been hypothesized to be a key factor in tumor cell resistance. In the present study, we evaluated GSH conjugation of LPAM by the perfused liver in patients with colorectal cancer metastases undergoing a Phase II study of isolated liver perfusion as well as in the rat. To evaluate whether LPAM-GSH conjugates were synthesized in the rat in vivo, LPAM was infused i.v. at a rate of 2.0 micromol/kg/min. In bile samples obtained during the infusion, two major GSH conjugates were identified by mass spectrometry: mono-hydroxy-mono-GSH-LPAM and di-GSH-LPAM. The maximum biliary excretion rate of these two conjugates accounted for only 1.3% of the LPAM infusion rate. In bile or perfusate samples from patients treated for 60 min initially with 0.3 mM LPAM in the perfusion medium via isolated liver perfusion (200 mg LPAM in approximately 2 liters perfusion medium), none of the above-mentioned conjugates were detected. When comparable rat liver perfusions were performed initially with 66 microM or 0.66 mM LPAM in the perfusion medium, bile samples did contain GSH-LPAM conjugates; the cumulative biliary excretion of the two conjugates amounted to 0.4 and 0.2% of the LPAM dose, respectively. These data suggest that both in rats and humans, hepatic GSH conjugation plays a very minor (if any) role in the elimination of LPAM and, therefore, that modulation of GSH levels is unlikely to affect the rate of elimination of this drug.

Animals↗

Isoenzyme-selective inhibition of glutathione conjugation in vivo: selective inhibition of the conjugation of S-2-Bromoisovalerylurea in the rat.

Glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) play a major role in the (de-)toxification of many endogenous and xenobiotic substrates. To assess their contribution in (de-)toxification, specific in vivo inhibitors that ideally are selective for a single isoenzyme of GST are required. In the present study, selective inhibition of the alpha class GST by the glutathione analog (R)-5-ethyloxycarbonyl-2-gamma-(S)-glutamylamino-N-2-hept ylpentamide (Et-R-Hep) was studied. In rat liver cytosol and in isolated rat hepatocytes, only the conjugation of the (S)-enantiomer of (RS)-2-bromoisovalerylurea (BIU), which is conjugated mainly by alpha class GST 2-2 (Te Koppele et al., Biochem. J. 252:137-142, 1988), was inhibited by Et-R-hep. The conjugation of (R)-BIU, which is mainly catalyzed by mu class GSTs 3-3 and 4-4, was unaffected. In anesthetized rats to which an infusion of (RS)-BIU was administered, the biliary excretion of the glutathione conjugate of (S)-BIU was inhibited by up to 67% after administration of Et-R-hep (an i.v. bolus dose of 200 mu mol/kg followed by an infusion of 6.7 mu mol/min/kg for 30 min). The extent of inhibition decreased gradually to reach 40% at the end of the experiment (4 hr after administration of the inhibitor). The conjugation of (R)-BIU was unaffected. Thus, the inhibitor Et-R-Hep shows preferential inhibition of the alpha-GST substrate (S)-BIU. Although Et-R-Hep is not specific for alpha class GST, it may be used to assess the role of this class of GST in (de)-toxification and conjugation in vivo.

Animals↗

Glutathione analogues as novel inhibitors of rat and human glutathione S-transferase isoenzymes, as well as of glutathione conjugation in isolated rat hepatocytes and in the rat in vivo.

Inhibitors of rat and human Alpha- and Mu-class glutathione S-transferases that effectively inhibit the glutathione (GSH) conjugation of bromosulphophthalein in the rat liver cytosolic fraction, isolated rat hepatocytes and in the rat liver in vivo have been developed. The GSH analogue (R)-5-carboxy-2-gamma-(S)-glutamylamino-N-hexylpentamide [Adang, Brussee, van der Gen and Mulder (1991) J. Biol. Chem. 266, 830-836] was used as the lead compound. To obtain more potent inhibitors, it was modified by replacement of the N-hexyl moiety by N-2-heptyl and by esterification of the 5-carboxy group with ethyl and dodecyl groups. In isolated hepatocytes, the branched N-2-heptyl derivatives were stronger inhibitors of GSH conjugation of bromosulphophthalein than the N-hexyl derivatives. The ethyl ester compounds were more efficient than the corresponding unesterified derivatives. The dodecyl ester of the N-2-heptyl analogue was the most effective inhibitor in isolated hepatocytes, but was relatively toxic in vivo. However, the corresponding ethyl ester was a potent in vivo inhibitor: GSH conjugation of bromosulphophthalein (as assessed by biliary excretion of the conjugate) was decreased by 70% after administration of a dose of 200 mumol/kg. The isoenzyme specificity of the inhibitors towards purified rat and human glutathione S-transferases was also examined. The unesterified compounds were more potent than the esterified analogues, and inhibited Alpha- and Mu-class isoenzymes of both rat and human glutathione S-transferase (Ki range 1-40 microM). Other GSH-dependent enzymes, i.e. GSH peroxidase, GSH reductase and gamma-glutamyltranspeptide, were not inhibited. Thus (R)-5-ethyloxycarbonyl-2-gamma-(S)-glutamylamino-N-2-hept ylpentamide, the in vivo inhibitor of GSH conjugation, may be useful in helping to assess the role of the Alpha and Mu classes of glutathione S-transferases in cellular biochemistry, physiology and pathology.

Animals↗

Deuterium isotope effect on the metabolism of the flame retardant tris(2,3-dibromopropyl) phosphate in the isolated perfused rat liver.

The metabolism of tris(2,3-dibromopropyl) phosphate (Tris-BP) was compared with that of completely deuterated Tris-BP (D15-Tris-BP) in an isolated, recirculating rat liver perfusion system in order to determine the relative quantitative importance of two different biotransformation pathways of Tris-BP: (i) cytochrome P450-mediated metabolism and (ii) GSH S-transferase-mediated metabolism. To accomplish this we quantitated the biliary excretion of S-(3-hydroxypropyl)glutathione (GSOH) as a marker metabolite for cytochrome P450-mediated metabolism and that of S-(2,3-dihydroxypropyl) glutathione (GSOHOH) as a marker metabolite for GSH S-transferase-mediated metabolism. Complete deuterium substitution of Tris-BP significantly decreased the formation of GSOH, whereas there was no effect on the formation of GSOHOH. Because our previous studies showed a large decrease in genotoxicity of D15-Tris-BP compared to Tris-BP, the present results support our hypothesis that cytochrome P450-mediated metabolism is responsible for the genotoxic effects of Tris-BP in the rat liver.

Animals↗