Chemically induced antioxidant-sensitive respiration. Relation to glutathione content and lipid peroxidation in the perfused rat liver.

The interrelations between the hepatic chemically induced antioxidant-sensitive respiration and the contents of malondialdehyde (MDA) and of reduced glutathione (GSH), were studied in the isolated hemoglobin-free perfused rat liver. Antioxidant-sensitive respiration was induced by the infusion of agents such as ethanol, iron, xanthine or t-butyl hydroperoxide, or by phenylhydrazine pretreatment in vivo. The development of this respiratory component occurred concomitantly with high levels of MDA in the perfused livers, while those of GSH were diminished.