Relative distribution of glutathione transferase, glyoxalase I and glyoxalase II in helminths.

Glutathione transferase, glyoxalase I and glyoxalase II activities were not evenly distributed among the major helminth groups. Intestinal cestodes and digeneans had higher glutathione transferase activity than parasitic nematodes. High glyoxalase II activity was found in cestodes and digeneans but no glyoxalase I was detectable. Glyoxalase I and II were both detected in nematodes. These results are discussed in relation to the enzymes' suggested role in protection against secondary lipid peroxidation products.