Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 17, 2026

Methods to Inhibit Bacterial Pyomelanin Production and Determine the Corresponding Increase in Sensitivity to Oxidative Stress
Published on: August 31, 2015
Protection from hyperbaric oxidant stress by administration of buthionine sulfoximine
K H Komadina1, C A Duncan, C L Bryan
1Lung Metabolic Unit, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio.
Abstract:
To explore the role of glutathione in protecting rats from hyperbaric hyperoxia, we administered buthionine sulfoximine (BSO) to block gamma-glutamyl cysteine synthase activity and decrease tissue glutathione synthesis. We then exposed these animals and their vehicle-treated matched controls to 100% oxygen at 4 ATA or room air at 1 ATA. After BSO treatment, glutathione concentrations in air-exposed controls decreased 62% in lung, 76% in liver, 28% in brain, and 62% in plasma. Paradoxically, BSO-treated rats were protected from hyperbaric hyperoxia. The BSO-treated animals seized significantly later and had a markedly prolonged time of survival compared with the vehicle-treated controls. We conclude that BSO treatment protects rats from hyperbaric hyperoxia, despite its effects of lowering plasma and tissue glutathione concentrations. This protection may be related to a direct effect of the compound in decreasing free radical-mediated tissue injury, increasing tissue antioxidant defenses, or increasing seizure threshold.
Related Concept Videos
Preparation and Reactions of Thiols
Peroxisomes
Drugs for Peptic Ulcer Disease: Sucralfate as Mucosal Protective Agents
In this scenario, mucosal protective agents like sucralfate play an essential role. Sucralfate, a complex of sulfated sucrose and aluminum hydroxide, demonstrates its usefulness in acidic conditions,...
Sulfur Assimilation

