Glutathione enzymes, glutathione content and t-butyl hydroperoxide induced lipid peroxidation in the gill and digestive gland of the estuarine clam, Rangia cuneata
1. Reduced glutathione (GSH), glutathione reductase (GSSG-reductase) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-peroxidase) activities were measured in the gill and digestive gland of Rangia cuneata. 2. Substantial GSH concentrations were found in both gill (820 ± 80 nmole/g tissue) and digestive gland (930 ± 130 nmole/g tissue). The digestive gland exhibited 2.5-fold greater GSSG-reductase activities and 0.5-fold lower GSH-peroxidase activities relative to the gill. 3. In vivo exposure to t-butyl hydroperoxide (BHP) elicited a dose-dependent increase (P < 0.05) in lipid peroxidation in both tissues. Lipid peroxidation occurred earlier and to a greater extent in the digestive gland versus the gill. GSH concentrations in both tissues were unaffected by BHP exposure. 4. The study results indicate that gill and digestive gland differ in susceptibility to BHP induced oxidative damage, and the difference is accounted for by differences in tissue GSH metabolism. © 1993.