Plasma Glutathione S-Transferase in Carbon Tetrachrolide Treated Rats and Its Association to Hepatic Cytosolic Isozymes

Abstract

The effect of carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄) treatment on plasma and liver cytosolic glutathione S-transferase (GST) activities was investigated in rats. CCl₄ was intraperitoneally administered at a dose of 0.5 ml/kg. The elevation of plasma GST activity paralleled the increase of plasma glutamate pyruvate transaminase activity after the administration of CCl₄. Liver cytosolic GST activities were significantly decreased by CCl₄ treatment. To establish the relationship of plasma GST with liver cytosolic isozymes, Western blot analysis using antibodies against cytosolic GST 1-2 and 3-4 was performed. The Western blots showed the existence of GST 1-2 and 3-4 in plasma at 24 hr after CCl₄ treatment. The data thus strongly suggest that cytosolic GSTs are lost from the liver to plasma as a consequence of liver damage. The Western blot analysis of plasma GST may be useful for monitoring liver damage.