Sex-related difference in the hepatic glutathione level and related enzyme activities in rat.

Age and sex differences in the hepatic glutathione level and related enzyme activities in rats of both sexes were investigated. At 7 weeks of age there was no significant difference in GSH levels between males and females, although a higher level of intracellular GSH was observed in male rats at 12 weeks of age. Hepatic gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase activities were significantly higher in females than in males at only 7 weeks of age. Glutathione peroxidase showed higher activities in females than in males. Conversely, glutathione S-transferase, glutathione reductase and glutathione synthesis rates were markedly higher in males than in females.