Characterization of glutathione S-transferase activity in Echinococcus granulosus

1. Glutathione S-transferase activity has been characterized in protoscolices of Echinococcus granulosus. 2. The conjugation reaction was activated by treatment of protoscolices with phenobarbital and beta-naphthoflavone. 3. Protoscolices of E. granulosus contained the conjugation cofactor glutathione in the amount of 287 nmol/g fresh tissue. 4. Conjugation may represent an important factor in the resistance of the parasite to drugs.