Glutathione-S-epoxide transferase in mouse skin and human foreskin

Glutathione-S-epoxide transferase activity in skin was determined in six mouse strains as well as in human foreskin (from 2- to 4-day-old neonates) using two substrates, styrene oxide and 3-methylcholanthrene-11,12-oxide. Of the strains used in this study, the highest enzyme activity was noted in the skin of the Balb/c mouse. The enzyme was not inducible in skin by prior administration of 3-methylcholanthrene to the mice. Human foreskin activity was lower than that present in the adult mouse skin and ranged from 1.93 to 5.28 with styrene oxide (at 22 degrees C) and 0.17 to 0.46 nmoles/mg protein/5 min with 3-methylcholanthrene-11,12-oxide (at 37 degrees C) as substrates.