ATP-DRIVEN EFFLUX OF GLUTATHIONE S-CONJUGATES, ANTITUMOR DRUGS, AND XENOBIOTICS FROM HUMAN ERYTHROCYTES

Glutathione (gamma-glytamyl-L-cysteinylglycine; GSH), is of particular importance in protective mechanisms of erythrocytes against oxidative stress and electrophilic xenobiotics which can be conjugated by GSH f or excretion from the cytoplasm. In erythrocytes the active transport of GSH-conjugates is mediated by membrane ATPase(s), which differ from ion pumps, and other transporters such as P-glycoproteins. This commu nication reviews our current understanding of the mechanisms mediating the transport of GSH-conjugates and their possible interrelatedness w ith other transport mechanisms.