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Abstract
The tripeptide glutathione is the thiol compound present in the highest concentration
in cells of all organs. Glutathione has many physiological functions including its
involvement in the defense against reactive oxygen species. The cells of the human
brain consume about 20% of the oxygen utilized by the body but constitute only 2%
of the body weight. Consequently, reactive oxygen species which are continuously generated
during oxidative metabolism will be generated in high rates within the brain. Therefore,
the detoxification of reactive oxygen species is an essential task within the brain
and the involvement of the antioxidant glutathione in such processes is very important.
The main focus of this review article will be recent results on glutathione metabolism
of different brain cell types in culture. The glutathione content of brain cells depends
strongly on the availability of precursors for glutathione. Different types of brain
cells prefer different extracellular glutathione precursors. Glutathione is involved
in the disposal of peroxides by brain cells and in the protection against reactive
oxygen species. In coculture astroglial cells protect other neural cell types against
the toxicity of various compounds. One mechanism for this interaction is the supply
by astroglial cells of glutathione precursors to neighboring cells. Recent results
confirm the prominent role of astrocytes in glutathione metabolism and the defense
against reactive oxygen species in brain. These results also suggest an involvement
of a compromised astroglial glutathione system in the oxidative stress reported for
neurological disorders.