Hothersall J S, El-Hassan A, McLean P, Greenbaum A L
Enzyme. 1981;26(5):271-6. doi: 10.1159/000459190.
Measurements have been made of the enzymes of glutathione metabolism and of NADPH generation in the brains of rats aged between 1 day and 24 months. The activity of glutathione peroxidase fell while that of glutathione reductase rose during the aging process. The four NADPH-generating systems each showed a different profile with respect to aging, the most marked changes occurring between 1 and 20 days. Subsequently, the systems remained close to, or above, the young adult value. The role of the glutathione-metabolising enzymes in controlling the H2O2 metabolism and suppressing peroxidative damage to the brain is discussed.
