Effect of oyster extract on the enhancement of glutathione in rat hippocampus

Abstract

In our previous study, we reported the enhancement of glutathione in rat hippocampus with combined administration of oyster extract and warfarin. However, the effect of sole administration of oyster extract on glutathione in rat hippocampus was not investigated. Therefore, the principal aim of the present study was to determine if oyster extract increases glutathione in rat hippocampus and various organs. Moreover, the effect of oyster extract on glutathione S-transferase (GST) activity was investigated.

In the first experiment, after 7-week-old male Sprague-Dawley rats were administered oyster extract (200 or 500 mg/kg body weight P.O.) (high-volume group or low-volume group) or vehicle (control group) for 1 week, these various organs were isolated. The concentration of glutathione in these organs was determined. The concentrations of glutathione in hippocampus of the high-volume group and the low-volume group were twofold higher than that of the control group, with significant differences.

In the second experiment, after 7-week-old male Sprague-Dawley rats were administered oyster extract (500 mg/kg body weight P.O.) (oyster extract group) or vehicle (control group) for 1 week, these various organs were isolated. The concentration of glutathione and GST activity in these organs were determined. The concentration of glutathione in kidney in the treated group was significantly higher than that in the control group. GST activity in the hippocampus in the oyster extract group was significantly higher than that in the control group.

The present results suggest that oyster extract produces anti-oxidant effects in hippocampus and kidney.