Ryanodine receptor channel-dependent glutathione transport in the sarcoplasmic reticulum of skeletal muscle

We found that glutathione transport across endo/ sarcoplasmic reticulum mem branes correlates with the abundance of ryanodine receptor type 1 (RyR1). T he transport was the fastest in muscle terminal cisternae, fast in muscle m icrosomes and slow in liver, heart, and brain microsomes. Glutathione influ x could be inhibited by RyR1 blockers and the inhibitory effect was counter acted by RyR1 agonists. The effect of blockers was specific to glutathione, as the transport of other small molecules was not hindered. Therefore, the glutathione transport activity seems to be associated with RyR1 in sarcopl asmic reticulum. (C) 2001 Academic Press.