参麦注射液抗心肌缺氧-再给氧损伤实验研究

采用Ｌａｎｇｅｎｄｏｒｆ离体心脏灌注模型,对大鼠心肌缺氧—再给氧损伤中抗自由基酶ＳＯＤ和ＧＳＨ－Ｐｘ,过氧化产物ＭＤＡ、心肌酶ＣＰＫ和心肌细胞超微结构进行了观察、同时探讨了参麦注射液的保护作用机理。结果表明：（１）心肌缺氧灌注４０ｍｉｎ,富氧再灌５ｍｉｎ,与正常对照组比较,心肌细胞超微结构损伤严重,线粒体数目减少,大部分空泡变性,嵴消失,糖原颗粒减少,心肌收缩结构受到严重破坏。同时ＣＰＫ活性明显升高,ＳＯＤ及ＧＳＨ－Ｐｘ活性明显降低,ＭＤＡ含量明显升高（Ｐ＜０．０１）。（２）预先给不同剂量参麦注射液进行灌注,与模型组比较,心肌超微结构损伤明显减轻,线粒体数目较多,嵴密集,未见肿胀变形,糖原颗粒丰富,心肌收缩结构基本正常。ＣＰＫ活性明显降低,心肌ＳＯＤ及ＧＳＨ－Ｐｘ活性明显增高,心肌ＭＤＡ含量明显降低（Ｐ＜０．０１）。且参麦大剂量组疗效优于复方丹参液（Ｐ＜０．０５）。我们推测其保护作用机理可能是稳定心肌细胞膜,保护心肌线粒体,增加能量供应,提高抗自由基酶活性,从而减轻氧自由基对心肌的损害     

青霉胺对缺血后再灌注心肌损伤的保护作用

为了解青霉胺对缺血后再灌注心肌损伤的影响,我们采用Ｌａｎｇｅｎｄｒｏｆ离体大鼠心脏灌注模型,先灌注１５ｍｉｎ后停止灌注,模拟缺血６０ｍｉｎ,然后再灌注６０ｍｉｎ。动物分为对照组及青霉胺处理组（３０ｍＭ）。分别测定缺血前及再灌注后心肌组织内三磷酸腺苷（ＡＴＰ）、谷胱甘肽（ＧＳＨ）及谷胱甘肽氧化酶（ＧＳＨ－Ｐｘ）的含量变化,再灌注过程中冠状动脉血流阻力及冠脉流出液中磷酸肌酸激酶（ＣＰＫ）的释放量。结果显示,青霉胺处理组再灌注后心肌组织的ＡＴＰ、ＧＳＨ、ＧＳＨ－Ｐｘ含量均明显高于对照心肌组织中的含量,而青霉胺处理组在再灌注过程中ＣＰＫ的总释放量及平均冠状血流动脉阻力明显低于对照组ＣＰＫ总释放量及平均冠状动脉血流阻力。提示青霉胺可以减轻缺血后再灌注的心肌的损伤,起到保护作用     

三唑酮对绿豆幼苗叶片衰老的延缓作用

三唑酮处理可提高离体绿豆（ＰｈａｓｅｏｌｕｓｒａｄｉａｔｕｓＬ．）幼苗叶片叶绿素和蛋白质含量。叶片衰老过程中超氧物歧化酶（ＳＯＤ）、过氧化物酶（ＰＯＤ）、过氧化氢酶（ＣＡＴ）和抗坏血酸过氧化物酶（ＡｓＡＰＯＤ）活性及抗坏血酸（ＡｓＡ）和还原型谷胱甘肽（ＧＳＨ）含量降低。２０ｍｇ／Ｌ三唑酮可提高ＰＯＤ、ＡｓＡＰＯＤ活性和ＡｓＡ、ＧＳＨ含量,对ＳＯＤ、ＣＡＴ活性无影响。丙二醛（ＭＤＡ）含量在叶片衰老过程中提高,并与ＰＯＤ、ＡｓＡＰＯＤ活性和ＡｓＡ、ＧＳＨ含量呈显著负相关,三唑酮可降低ＭＤＡ含量。表明三唑酮有提高植物对膜脂过氧化作用的保护能力,延缓叶片的衰老作用。     

高氧预适应对大鼠心肌缺血─再灌注时自由基的影响

为了解决高氧预适应（ＨｙｐｅｒｏｘｉｃｐｒｅｃｏｎｄｉｔｉｏｎｉｎｇＨＯＰ）对大鼠心肌缺血再灌注时自由基的影响,本实验将实验组大鼠放入高压氧舱内,每日吸８０－８５％氧气（１ａｔｍ）６ｈ,连续７ｄ。利用Ｌａｎｇｅｎｄｏｒｆ装置做成心肌缺血再灌注模型,采用电子自旋共振技术测定自由基含量。实验动物随机分为二组,第一组为对照组：缺血１０ｍｉｎ,再灌注６０ｍｉｎ。第二组为ＨＯＰ组：缺血１０ｍｉｎ,再灌注６０ｍｉｎ。实验观察冠脉回流液中自由基ＰＢＮ加合物含量。结果表明：在再灌注过程中,１、５、１０ｍｉｎ３个时间点,ＨＯＰ组ＰＢＮ加合物含量较对照组明显减少。提示：ＨＯＰ能减少缺血再灌注时自由基的产生。     

耐力训练对大鼠肝脏,股四头肌谷胱甘肽抗氧化系统酶活性的影响

目的和方法：本文通过检测大鼠肝脏、股四头肌中ＧＳＨＰＸ、谷胱甘肽转硫酶（ＧＳＴ）、谷胱甘肽还原酶（ＧＲ）活性及脂质过氧化（ＬＰＯ）产物丙二醛（ＭＤＡ）的含量变化,观察耐力训练对大鼠机体产生内源性自由基及谷胱甘肽抗氧化系统酶活性的影响。结果：ＳＤ雄性大鼠经１１周跑台训练后,安静状态时肝脏中ＭＤＡ含量下降,ＧＳＨＰＸ、ＧＳＨ活性下降,股四头肌中ＧＳＨＰＸ、ＧＳＴ活性升高;９０ｍｉｎ定量负荷运动使大鼠肝脏中ＭＤＡ含量升高,ＧＳＨＰＸ、ＧＳＴ、ＧＲ活性均下降,但训练组ＧＳＨＰＸ、ＧＳＴ活性恢复较快。结论：大鼠经耐力训练后提高了谷胱甘肽抗氧化系统酶的抗氧化功能,表现了良好的运动适应性,且恢复较快。值得注意的是训练组大鼠ＧＲ活性在运动后恢复期存在下降趋势,其机理有待进一步研究。     

中国山西,广西美芒藻属两新种

中国山西、广西美芒藻属两新种谢树莲凌元洁（山西大学生命科学系太原０３０００６）ＴＷＯＮＥＷＳＰＥＣＩＥＳＯＦＣＯＭＰＳＯＰＯＧＯＮ（ＲＨＯＤＯＰＨＹＴＡ）ＦＲＯＭＳＨＡＮＸＩＡＮＤＧＵＡＮＧＸＩ,ＣＨＩＮＡＸＩＥＳｈｕＬｉａｎＬＩＮＧＹｕａｎＪ...     

淡水红藻一新种——异孢奥杜藻

淡水红藻一新种———异孢奥杜藻谢树莲凌元洁（山西大学生命科学系太原０３０００６）ＡＮＥＷＳＰＥＣＩＥＳＯＦＦＲＥＳＨＷＡＴＥＲＲＥＤＡＬＧＡＥ———ＡＵＤＯＵＩＮＥＬＬＡＨＥＴＥＲＯＳＰＯＲＡＦＲＯＭＣＨＩＮＡＸＩＥＳｈｕＬｉａｎＬＩＮＧＹｕａｎ...     

MAPK对胰岛素介导的人血管平滑肌细胞PKCα的影响

目的：在胰岛素的干预下,观察ＭＡＰＫ反义寡核苷酸（ＯＤＮｓ）对人血管平滑肌细胞（ＶＳＭＣ）增殖及ＰＫＣα表达的影响。方法：３ＨＴｄＲ掺入法检测ＶＳＭＣ增殖,逆转录ＰＣＲ、免疫组织化学法检测ＰＫＣα表达。结果：反义ＯＤＮｓ 处理的细胞可显著抑制胰岛素诱导的ＶＳＭＣ的ＤＮＡ合成,ＯＤＮｓ 的上述作用与降低ＶＳＭＣ内ＰＫＣα基因表达有关。结论：胰岛素刺激人ＶＳＭＣ增殖可被ＭＡＰＫ反义寡核苷酸所抑制,可能存在有关胰岛素ＰＫＣＭＡＰＫ激活途径     

盐生杜氏藻甘油-3-磷酸脱氢酶的分离纯化及其特性的研究

利用ＰＥＧ分级,ＤＥＡＥ离子交换层析,ＢｌｕｅＳｅｐｈａｒｏｓｅ拟亲和层析,ＭｏｎｏＱ离子交换层析等手段,分离纯化盐生杜氏藻（Ｄｕｎａｌｉｅｌａｓａｌｉｎａ（Ｄｕｎａｌ）Ｔｅｏｄ．）甘油三磷酸（Ｇ３Ｐ）脱氢酶（ＥＣ１．１．１．８）,得到比活为１２．６Ｕ／ｍｇ的电泳纯的酶,并对此酶的生化特性进行了研究。４％～２０％非变性聚丙烯酰胺梯度凝胶电泳测得全酶分子量约为２７０ｋＤ,ＳＤＳＰＡＧＥ表明该酶只有一种分子量约为６５ｋＤ的亚基,据此推测该酶应为同四聚体。酶催化磷酸二羟丙酮（ＤＨＡＰ）还原的最适ｐＨ值为７．５,催化Ｇ３Ｐ脱氢的最适ｐＨ值为１０。该酶对４个底物还原型辅酶Ⅰ（ＮＡＤＨ）,二磷酸吡啶核苷酸（ＤＨＡＰ）,辅酶Ⅰ（ＮＡＤ）,Ｇ３Ｐ的表观Ｋｍ值分别为６３μｍｏｌ／Ｌ,２７２μｍｏｌ／Ｌ,１．５３ｍｍｏｌ／Ｌ,６．５２ｍｍｏｌ／Ｌ。该酶在保存过程中易失活。ＮＡＤＨ能降低酶失活的速度,而ＮＡＤ则不然。低浓度ＮａＣｌ对酶略有保护作用,但高浓度ＮａＣｌ加快酶的失活,且浓度越高效应越明显。     

十字花科上的链格孢属真菌同工酶凝胶电泳分析

本文报道对从国内外收集到的生于十字花科植物上的３种链格孢属真菌２１个菌株进行的１０种同工酶的聚丙酰胺凝胶电泳分析结果,这１０种酶分别是：酯酶（ＥＳＴ）、碱性磷酸酶（ＡＫＰ）、酸性磷酸酶（ＡＣＰ）、多酚氧化酶（ＰＰＯ）、近氧化氢酶（ＣＡＴ）、谷氨酸脱氢酶（ＧＤＨ）、甘露醇脱氢酶（ＭＡＤＨ）、乙醇脱氢酶（ＡＤＨ）、黄嘌呤脱氢酶（ＸＤＨ）、过氧化物岐化酶（ＳＯＤ）。对同工酶酶谱资料的聚类分析,在较高的相     

Age-related changes in the glutathione redox system

The effect of aging on the glutathione redox system was evaluated in this study. For this purpose, we determined reduced glutathione (GSH) and oxidized glutathione (GSSG) in whole blood, glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and glutathione reductase (GSSGR) in erythrocytes and selenium (Se) in plasma in 176 healthy individuals. We also calculated GSH/GSSG molar ratios. These subjects were divided into five groups: group 1 (n=25; 0.2-1 years old); group 2 (n=28; 2-11 years old); group 3 (n=23; 12-24 years old); group 4 (n=40; 25-40 years old); group 5 (n=60; 41-69 years old). GSH levels in groups 1 and 5 were significantly lower than the other groups (p<0.001). Conversely, GSSG levels were significantly high in these periods (p<0.001). The GSH/GSSG molar ratio was found to be low both in the first year of life and in the oldest group (p<0.001, respectively). GPx activity in group 5 was increased as compared to the other groups (p<0.001). GSSGR activity was significantly lower in the oldest groups than in the other groups (p<0.001). Se levels were found to be low in the oldest group (p<0.001). Selenium levels of women in group 5 were significantly high as compared to the men (p<0.01). We found negative correlations between age and GSH levels (r=0.402; p<0.001), selenium levels (r=0.454; p<0.001), GSH/GSSG molar ratio (r=0.557; p<0.001) and GSSGR activity (r=0.556; p<0.001). There were positive correlations between age and GPx (r=0.538; p<0.001) and GSSG level (r=0.551; p<0.001). In conclusion, our findings show that the glutathione redox system is affected by age. Oxidative stress increases during the aging process. There is no effect of aging on the glutathione redox system according to sex except for the Se level.     

Physical exercise intensity can be related to plasma glutathione levels

The aim of the present study was to examine the effect of different kinds of physical exercise on plasma glutathione levels. Male Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups: In walking group (W; n=6), rats were trained to walk 0.8 m/min for 45 min; slow running group (SR; n=6) were trained to run 4 m/min for 45 min; fast running group (FR; n=6) ran 8m/min for 60 min and control rats (C; n=6) remained in their home cages. All animals were sacrificed after exercise and the levels of reduced glutathione (GSH) in plasma samples determined by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with a fluorescent detector. Compared to controls, exercise did not change GSH plasma levels of the W group. A tendency to decrease blood GSH was observed in plasma samples of the SR group and in the FR group, physical exercise resulted in a dramatic decrease in GSH plasma levels. These data suggest that during light physical exercise there is a low production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) with a low request for antioxidant defence such as oxidation of GSH. The dramatic decrease observed in GSH levels in FR rats would indicate the presence of oxidative stress able to modify blood antioxidant profiles. Our results suggest that GSH plays a central antioxidant role in blood during intensive physical exercise and that its modifications are closely related to exercise intensity.     

Physical exercise intensity can be related to plasma glutathione levels

The aim of the present study was to examine the effect of different kinds of physical exercise on plasma glutathione levels. Male Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups: In walking group (W; n=6), rats were trained to walk 0.8 m/min for 45 min; slow running group (SR; n=6) were trained to run 4 m/min for 45 min; fast running group (FR; n=6) ran 8m/min for 60 min and control rats (C; n=6) remained in their home cages. All animals were sacrificed after exercise and the levels of reduced glutathione (GSH) in plasma samples determined by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with a fluorescent detector. Compared to controls, exercise did not change GSH plasma levels of the W group. A tendency to decrease blood GSH was observed in plasma samples of the SR group and in the FR group, physical exercise resulted in a dramatic decrease in GSH plasma levels. These data suggest that during light physical exercise there is a low production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) with a low request for antioxidant defence such as oxidation of GSH. The dramatic decrease observed in GSH levels in FR rats would indicate the presence of oxidative stress able to modify blood antioxidant profiles. Our results suggest that GSH plays a central antioxidant role in blood during intensive physical exercise and that its modifications are closely related to exercise intensity.     

Glutathione and adenosine triphosphate content of in vivo and in vitro matured porcine oocytes

Glutathione (GSH) content in mature porcine oocytes is correlated with subsequent fertilization and developmental success. Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) is an important energy source for maintaining cellular activities and protein synthesis. The objective of this study was to compare GSH and ATP concentrations of in vivo and in vitro matured porcine oocytes. Ovulated, in vivo matured oocytes were frozen at -80 degrees C in groups of 10-20 (GSH) or 5-10 (ATP). In vitro oocytes were matured in either tissue culture medium-199 (TCM199) supplemented with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) or hyaluronic acid (MAP5), or North Carolina State University-23 (NCSU23) supplemented with porcine follicular fluid (pFF) and frozen as described, or fertilized and cultured. GSH content was determined by the dithionitrobenzoic acid-glutathione disulfide (DTNB-GSSG) reductase recycling assay. ATP content was determined by using the Bioluminescent Somatic Cell Assay Kit. Oocytes matured in vitro in defined TCM199 with PVA or hyaluronic acid, or NCSU23 with pFF had significantly lower concentrations (P < 0.05) of GSH (n = 207, 9.82 +/- 0.71 pmol/oocyte; n = 104, 9.73 +/- 0.81 pmol/oocyte; n = 108, 7.89 +/- 0.66 pmol/oocyte, respectively) compared to in vivo matured oocytes (n = 217, 36.26 +/- 11.00 pmol/oocyte). Concentrations of ATP were not different between treatments (in vivo, n = 70, 0.97 +/- 0.07 pmol/oocyte; TCM-PVA, n = 117, 0.81 +/- 0.13 pmol/oocyte; TCM-MAP, n = 107, 1.02 +/- 0.18 pmol/oocyte; NCSU-pFF, n = 134, 0.71 +/- 0.08 pmol/oocyte). Intracellular ATP content does not appear to be related to developmental potential in porcine oocytes. Low intracellular GSH may be responsible, in part, for lower developmental competence observed in in vitro matured porcine oocytes.     

Airway inflammation in cadmium-exposed rats is associated with pulmonary oxidative stress and emphysema

The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that pulmonary inflammation and emphysema induced by cadmium (Cd) inhalation are associated with pulmonary oxidative stress. Two groups of Sprague Dawley rats were used: one vehicle-exposed group undergoing inhalation of NaCl (0.9%, n = 24) and one Cd-exposed group undergoing inhalation of CdCl(2) (0.1%, n = 24). The animals in the vehicle-and Cd-exposed groups were divided into 4 subgroups (n = 6 per group), which underwent either a single exposure (D2) of 1H or repeated exposures 3 times/week for 1H for a period of 3 weeks (3W), 5 weeks (5W) or 5 weeks followed by 2 weeks without exposure (5W + 2). At sacrifice, the left lung was fixed for histomorphometric analysis (median inter-wall distance, MIWD), whilst bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) was collected from the right lung. Cytological analysis of BALF was performed and BALF was analysed for oxidant markers 8-iso-PGF(2a), uric acid (UA), reduced (AA) and oxidised ascorbic acid (DHA) and reduced (GSH) and oxidised glutathione (GSSG). Cd-exposure induced a significant increase of BALF macrophages and neutrophils. 8-iso-PGF(2a), UA, GSH and GSSG were significantly increased at D2. At 5W and 5W + 2, AA and GSH were significantly lower in Cd-exposed rats, indicating antioxidant depletion. MIWD significantly increased in all repeatedly Cd-exposed groups, suggesting development of pulmonary emphysema. 8-iso-PGF(2a) and UA were positively correlated with macrophage and neutrophil counts. GSH, GSSG and 8-iso-PGF(2a) were negatively correlated with MIWD, indicating that Cd-induced emphysema could be associated with pulmonary oxidative stress.     

Chromosome number in South American species of Bothriochloa (Poaceae: Andropogoneae) and evolutionary history of the genus

Mitotic chromosome number of 14 taxa of Bothriochloa native to Argentina, Brazil and Uruguay were surveyed. Chromosome numbers of B. eurylemma, B. meridionalis and B. velutina are reported for the first time, with 2n = 6x = 60, and this ploidy level is the most common among the studied taxa. In addition, new cytotypes were found for B. alta (2n = 60), B. barbinodis (2n = 60), B. exaristata (2n = 80), B. laguroides var. torreyana (2n = 80), B. longipaniculata (2n = 60 and 80), B. perforata (2n = 60) and B. springfieldii (2n = 60). These numbers differ from those reported in the literature.     

整合素—配体结合反应上调兔支气管上皮细胞抗氧化能力

支气管上皮细胞（BECs）的抗氧化活性对于改善上皮的抗损伤能力、维持上皮结构和功能的完整性具有重要意义。BEC表达的整合素分子是细胞外基质成分如纤维连接蛋白（Fn）的受体,与细胞的生长、分化、代谢调控有关,为论证整合素－配体结合反应对细胞抗氧化活性的影响,本实验用臭氧攻击培养的兔BEC,观察用EFn或其特异性识别域片段RGD肽处理后细胞内谷胱苷肽过氧化物酶（GSH－Px）、超氧化物歧化酶（SOD）、过氧化氢酶（catalase）三种抗氧化酶活性变化和谷胱苷肽（GSH）含量的变化。结果：（1）Fn及RGD肽均呈剂量依赖性地提高GSH－Px活性（分别为r=0.93和r=0.73),Fn的上调作用可被钙调素抑制剂W7逆转;（2)Fn可提高SOD活性,但能被W7阻断;（3）Fn增加细胞的catalase活性,W7可取消这一效应;（4）Fn和RGD肽处理增加细胞内GSH含量,且有量－效关系（相关系数r分别为0.82和0.84）。以上结果提示,细胞外基质与整合素结合可增强细胞的抗氧化酶活性,增加GSH含量,以及提高抗氧化损伤能力。     

Intermediate Mr cytosolic components potentiate hepatic 5'-deiodinase activation by thiols.

The role in the activation of microsomal 5'-deiodinase (5'-DI) of rat hepatic cytosolic components of Mr approx. 13,000 (Fraction B) was studied in the presence of various concentrations of thiol compounds such as dithiothreitol (DTT), dihydrolipoamide (DHLA), GSH, and 2-mercaptoethanol (2-ME). Although Fraction B (which was prepared by gel filtration to exclude GSH and GSSG) had no intrinsic 5'-DI activity, could not stimulate microsomal 5'-DI activity in the absence of added thiol and did not contain GSH as a mixed disulphide, it could produce a 3-fold increase in the maximal deiodinase activity achievable with DTT as well as other thiols, with the order being the same as the activation potency of these thiols in the absence of Fraction B (i.e. DHLA greater than DTT greater than 2-ME greater than GSH). These observations suggest that: a component of cytosolic Fraction B, designated 'deiodination factor B' (DFB), operates as an efficient intermediary to enhance activation of microsomal 5'-DI by thiols through a mechanism independent of GSH; thiols may participate in a non-specific thiol-disulphide exchange with inactive (oxidized) DFB to convert it into an active form that contains one or more thiol groups and is more effective than GSH or other thiols in facilitating the re-activation of inactive (oxidized) microsomal 5'-DI thiol (ESI) to its active state (ESH).     

Characterization, Distribution, and Protein Kinase C-Mediated Regulation of [35S]Glutathione Binding Sites in Mouse and Human Spinal Cord

Abstract: We have characterized a high-affinity [³⁵S]-glutathione ([³⁵S]GSH) binding site in mouse and human spinal cord. [³⁵S]GSH binding sites in mouse and human spinal cord were observed largely within the gray matter in both the dorsal and ventral horns of spinal cord at cervical, thoracic, and lumbosacral segments. High-affinity [³⁵S]GSH binding was saturable, showing a B _max of 72 fmol/mg of protein and a K _D of 3.0 n M for mouse spinal cord and a B _max of 52 fmol/mg of protein and a K _D of 1.6 n M for human spinal cord. [³⁵S]GSH binding was displaceable by GSH, l -cysteine, and S -hexyl-GSH, but not by glutamate, glycine, or NMDA. These [³⁵S]GSH binding sites exhibited kinetic and saturation characteristics similar to GSH binding sites in rat brain astrocytes. To determine whether [³⁵S]GSH binding sites could be regulated by protein kinase C, we exposed human spinal cord sections to phorbol 12,13-diacetate for 1 h before ligand binding. Phorbol ester treatment increased [³⁵S]GSH binding by ∼60%, an effect that could be blocked by exposure of spinal cord sections to 1-(5-isoquinolinylsulfonyl)-2-methylpiperazine, a general protein kinase inhibitor. [³⁵S]GSH binding sites in the spinal cord of both species exhibited many of the characteristics of a receptor including saturable binding, high affinity, ligand specificity, and modulation by kinase activity. These data suggest that GSH is a neurotransmitter in the CNS.     

Analysis of glutathione in rat airway surface liquid by capillary zone electrophoresis with conductivity detection

Glutathione (GSH) is an important component of antioxidant defenses in airway surface liquid (ASL), a thin layer (10-30 microm) of liquid covering the epithelial cells lining the airways of the lung. Decreased levels of ASL GSH have been reported in cystic fibrosis (CF), potentially contributing to the severe oxidative stress seen in this disease. To help investigate the role of GSH in ASL, we developed a technique suitable for analysis of GSH and its oxidized form (GSSG) in microliter samples using capillary sampling followed by capillary zone electrophoresis (CZE) analysis with conductivity detection. CZE was carried out in 100 mM CHES and 40 mM lithium hydroxide with 5 mM spermine at pH 9.1 under an applied electric field of -416 V cm(-1). To prevent any autooxidation of GSH during sample manipulations, the samples were treated with N-ethylmaleimide (50 mM) to alkylate free thiol (-SH). Under these conditions, GSH and GSSG were cleanly separated without interference from common anions (e.g. Cl(-), PO(4)(3-), HCO(3)(-), etc.) and the limit of detection for ASL analysis was 11 microM for GSH and 8 microM for GSSG (S/N=3). GSH and GSSG were also measured in rat plasma. Baseline values of 897+/-210 microM (GSH) and 215+/-61 microM (GSSG) were obtained for rat ASL (n=8), whereas 12.4+/-2.7 microM (GSH) and 14.8+/-6.7 microM (GSSG) were obtained for rat plasma (n=5).