A comparison of glutathione-dependent enzymes in liver, gills and posterior kidney of channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus).

1. Six enzymes which collectively catalyze a number of glutathione-dependent synthetic, catabolic and detoxification reactions were examined along with glutathione status in liver, gills, and posterior kidney of channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus). 2. Hepatic GSH concentrations were higher than those in kidney or gills. Oxidized glutathione (GSSG) concentrations were similar among the three tissues. 3. Specific (per unit protein) gamma-glutamylcysteine synthetase (GCS) activity was greater in the gills than in liver or posterior kidney. However, total organ GCS activity was greatest in the liver. 4. Specific and total hepatic glutathione peroxidase (GSH peroxidase) activities were substantially greater than those of gills or kidney. 5. Similar specific glutathione reductase (GSSG reductase) activities were observed among all three tissues. 6. All three tissues exhibited glutathione S-transferase (GST) activity towards 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene (CDNB). Specific and total organ GST activities were highest in the liver, followed by the posterior kidney and gills. 7. Gamma-glutamyltranspeptidase (GGT) activity was present in the posterior kidney, but was undetectable in the gills or liver.