Effects of N-(2-mercaptopropionyl)glycine on ischemic-reperfused dog kidney in vivo and membrane preparation in vitro.

The results of our experiments demonstrated that one hour of ischemia followed by one hour of reflow in the kidney caused a reduction in (Na+K+)ATPase activity and microsomal sulfhydryl content as well as an increase in microsomal lipid peroxidation. Renal venous malondialdehyde concentration was increased soon after reperfusion of the ischemic kidney. All these changes were rectified by an infusion of 0.123 mmol N-(2-mercaptopropionyl)glycine/kg over a 70 min period. On the other hand, an in vitro addition of 0.01-0.5 mM N-(2-mercaptopropionyl)glycine to a membrane preparation in the presence of H2O2 and Fe3+ did not prevent but rather potentiated the free radical effect on the enzyme activity. However, addition of superoxide dismutase alone or with catalase together with 2-MPG were effective in preventing the enzyme depression induced by H2O2. The results therefore indicate that free radical generation participates in the evolution of ischemia/reperfusion cell injury and thiol-reducing agents may be beneficial in alleviating the cell damage in vivo.