DIFFERENTIAL ENZYMATIC-ACTIVITIES AND CELLULAR REDOX STATUS OF LIVER AND KIDNEY AFTER ISCHEMIA IN RATS

The aim of the present study was to assess the activities of kidney an d liver metabolic enzymes due to damage caused by acute ischemia in ra ts. The activities of gamma-glutamyl transferase (gamma-GT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), 5'-nucleotidase (5'-NT), glucose 6-phosphatase (G 6 -Pase) and succinate cytochrome c reductase (SuccR) were analyzed in c ontrol and ischemic groups of rats. The cellular redox status (thiobar bituric acid reactive species (TEARS), glutathione levels (GSH), catal ase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH- Px) activities) were also assessed. gamma-GT and ALP were not sensitiv e to ischemic damage in liver or kidney. A slight decrease of GSH was observed in both organs. TEARS levels were increased in liver. A decre ment of liver 5'-NT activity was detected. TEARS levels and 5'-NT acti vities did not change in kidneys. SuccR, G 6-Pase and enzymatic oxidat ive defense systems were not altered by ischemia in the liver. On the contrary, in kidneys a decrease of SOD. SuccR and G 6-Pase was observe d. This preliminary study shows that after inadequate blood flow, indu ced by clamping the thoracic aorta, the liver displays different and l ess marked effects than kidneys. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd .