Altered glutathione status in atlantic croaker ( Micropogonias undulatus) tissues exposed to lead

Abstract

Metals which induce the synthesis of metallothioneins, such as cadmium and mercury, also elevate glutathione (GSH) concentrations in fish tissues. 1,2 To determine whether metals which do not stimulate metallothionein synthesis increase GSH levels, the GSH status of Atlantic croaker tissues was examined after oral administration of lead. Lead significantly increased GSH levels in the intestine and liver, but not in kidney or brain tissues. Lead was not bound to GSH and the increase in GSH did not appear to be linked to lead accumulation in these tissues. Investigations of hepatic GSH synthesis and turnover in vitro using a radiolabelled amino acid precursor, C 14 glycine, showed that the elevation of GSH was due to an increase in GSH synthesis rather than decreased utilization of GSH. These studies suggest that the interactions between GSH and lead are indirect and involve a stimulatory effect of the metal on the activity of the enzymes for GSH synthesis.