[The role of glutathione in shaping the metabolic response of the cell to hypoxia].

The role of glutathione in metabolic response of the cell to hypoxia is discussed. Experiments were carried on random bred white female rats and their offspring. The antihypoxic effect of glutathione was studied using a low-pressure chamber model of acute hypoxic hypoxia and a perfused heart. When administered during the last third of pregnancy, glutathione stimulates in the female and in the foetus development of protective-adaptive reactions, thus increasing the resistance of hypoxia. This is expressed in an increased resistance to acute hypoxia and an improved mechano-energetic coupling of the myocardium. A proposed mechanism underlying the hypoxic, energizing effect of glutathione is related to decreased hyper-reduction of the NAD-dependent region of the respiratory chain and the recovery of its ability to synthesize ATP in the first site of oxidative phosphorylation. The results obtained allow us to outline perspectives of search for new compounds controlling the level of glutathione in the cells and, hence, activating the development of adaptational compensatory mechanisms for protection against de-energizing effect of hypoxia and similar factors.