ROLE OF GLUTATHIONE IN METABOLIC RESPONSE OF THE CELL TO HYPOXIA

The role of glutathione in metabolic response of the cell to hypoxia i s discussed. Experiments were carried on random bred white female rats and their offspring. The antihypoxic effect of glutathione was studie d using a low-pressure chamber model of acute hypoxic hypoxia and a pe rfused heart. When administered during the last third of pregnancy, gl utathione stimulates in the female and in the foetus development of pr otective-adaptive reactions, thus increasing the resistance of hypoxia . This is expressed in an increased resistance to acute hypoxia and an improved mechano-energetic coupling of the myocardium. A proposed mec hanism underlying the hypoxic, energizing effect of glutathione is rel ated to decreased hyperreduction of the NAD-dependent region of the re spiratory chain and the recovery of its ability to synthesize ATP in t he first site of oxidative phosphorylation. The results obtained allow as to outline perspectives of search for new compounds controlling th e level of glutathione in the cells and, hence, activating the develop ment of adaptationalcompensatory mechanisms for protection against dee nergizing effect of hypoxia and similar factors.