LIVER GLUTATHIONE CONTENT AND GLUTATHIONE-DEPENDENT ENZYMES OF 2 SPECIES OF FRESH-WATER FISH AS BIOINDICATORS OF CHEMICAL POLLUTION

Glutathione content and glutahione-dependent enzymes were measured in the liver of two fish species, gudgeon (Gobio gobio) and roach (Rutilu s arcasii), from the river Bernesga (Spain) caught downstream and upst ream of the waste site of several chemical industries. Animals from co ntaminated sites display a reduced glutathione concentration and a ten dency to the decrease of glutathione S-transferase activity. Glutathio ne peroxidase activity was significantly elevated only in the liver of Gobio gobio and glutathione reductase activity in that of Rutilus arc asii. Our data indicate that the glutathione system constitutes a sens itive biochemical indicator of chemical pollution. Relative changes of glutathione and glutathione-dependent enzymes in both fish species su ggest a different susceptibility to toxins.