The glutathione S-transferases of the small intestine in the rat.

Glutathione S-transferase activities have been identified in the small intestine of the rat. Thrree activities obtained with p-nitrobenzyl chloride (aralkyl), 1,2-epoxy-3(p-nitrophenoxy)propane (epoxide), and ethacrynic acid (alkene) as substrates were present in significant amounts. Gel filtration indicated an elution volume for the intestinal transferase activities that was similar to those activities in the liver and kidney. The induction of the intestinal transferases by polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and phenobarbital is similar to those effects observed previously for the hepatic and renal enzymes. The highest concentration of transferase activities occurs in the proximal small intestine; these activities are reduced upon fasting. Parallel observations have been reported for aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylases. Because only low or negligible levels of epoxide hydrases have been reported in the small intestine, the glutathione S-transferases may be the primary epoxide-detoxifying system in that organ.