[Blood glutathione levels in rabbits treated with high doses of vitamin E]

High doses of parenterally administered vitamin E (30 mg/kg/die) have been given to albino rabbits. We have found a significant elevation of red blood cells reduced glutathione, while the percent level of oxidized versus the reduced form falls from 2% to 1.3%. This finding could be explained with an elevation of the synthesis of this tripeptide, depending on the stimulation of glutathione-synthetase activity. On the other hand, a reduced utilization of this tripeptide for the free radicals detoxifying activity could be claimed for.