Effect of chronic glutathione deficiency on rat lung mitochondrial function

The effect of chronic glutathione deficiency on lung mitochondrial energy production using buthionine sulphoximine (BSO) as a depletor has been investigated. Prolonged depletion of mitochondrial glutathione produced an imbalance in the antioxidant defence and resulted in lipid peroxidation, which, in turn, damages the membranous structure, leading to the inactivation of inner membrane enzymes, matrix-bound enzymes and mitochondrial cytochrome content. Altered activities of energy-linked enzymes and electron transport resulted in the decreased rate of ADP-stimulated oxygen uptake, respiratory coupling ratio and ATP synthesis.