Glutathione S-transferase activity in human fetal and adult tissues.

Quantitative estimations of glutathione S-transferase activities with 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene as the electrophilic second substrate, in 142 postmortem human tissue specimens derived from 34 different organs of one or more of 13 individuals belonging to various age groups, are presented. Collectively the data indicate: (1) all tissues examined have appreciable levels of enzyme activity; (2) liver, kidney, lung, muscle, heart, adrenal glands, pancreas, and stomach of fetal origin possess higher enzyme activities than those of the adults, and (3) there are wide interindividual variations in the tissue enzyme activities.