The Effects of Taurine on Oxidative Processes in Cerebral Edema

Abstract

Objective. To study free-radical lipid oxidation, oxidative protein modification, and glutathione peroxidase and glutathione reductase activities, as well as the end product of nitric oxide, i.e., nitrite, in the mitochondrial fraction of the brain in animals during experimental cerebral edema and treatment with taurine. Materials and methods. Toxic cerebral edema was induced by i.p. administration of tetraethyl tin to rats at a dose of 10 mg/kg. The intensity of lipid peroxidation was recorded in terms of hydroperoxide and malondialdehyde contents. Results and conclusions. Analysis of the levels of oxidative protein modification showed that cerebral edema was characterized by increases in the contents of oxidative protein and lipid modification and nitric oxide, along with a decrease in the glutathione content and reductions in the activities of glutathione-containing enzymes (glutathione peroxidase and glutathione reductase). There is considerable interest in using agents able to increase glutathione contents and activate glutathione-containing enzymes. These include taurine. Our data indicate that administration of taurine for five days at a dose of 50 mg/kg led to a decrease in levels of lipid peroxidation products and normalization of oxidative protein modification in the mitochondrial fraction the brain in rats with experimental cerebral edema.