The glutathione status of Ephestia cautella (Walker) pupae exposed to carbon dioxide.

The exposure of E. cautella pupae, 0-24 hr old, to controlled atmospheres high in carbon dioxide reduces their tissue glutathione levels. If the period of exposure is not too long the levels return to control values after three days. Evidence is presented to show that exposure to CO2 inhibits the biosynthesis of glutathione. The implications of such inhibition at cellular and higher levels are discussed.