NITRITE-INDUCED EXPORT OF GLUTATHIONE DISULFIDE FROM ERYTHROCYTES

Export of glutathione disulfide (GSSG) from human erythrocytes induced by several agents (H2O2, t-butyl hydroperoxide, phenazine methosulfat e and NaNO2) was compared. NaNO2 treatment was found optimal for induc tion of GSSG transport. GSSG was exported from NaNO2-treated erythrocy tes mainly via the low-affinity kinetic component. The transport rate increased with increasing pH in the pH range of 6.5-8.0. The transport was inhibited by fluoride, vanadate and intracellular DNP-SG. On the basis of the obtained results, a possibility of existence of one commo n low-affinity transporter for glutathione S-conjugates and GSSG is di scussed.