Sex differences in the cellular defence system against free radicals from oxygen or drug metabolites in rat.

In this study, it was investigated whether sex-related differences in the protective mechanisms against oxygen radicals and free radical metabolites from drugs were present in rat liver, heart, and kidney. To that end, superoxide dismutase, catalase, the factors of the glutathione system and vitamin E were measured. In addition, NADPH-dependent cytochrome c-reductase activity was established, as this enzyme is involved in the formation of free radicals in the presence of many xenobiotics. The total capacity of the cellular systems that detoxify reactive oxygen species or free radical-drug metabolites seems to be higher in female liver as compared to male. No differences were found for heart and kidney tissue. It is hypothesized that female rats probably are less vulnerable for those drugs whose hepatotoxic action is induced by excessive formation of free radical species.