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Glutathione permeability of CFTR
1Department of Physiology, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada H3G 1Y6.
The American Journal of Physiology
|August 5, 1998
Summary
The cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) channel transports glutathione, an antioxidant. This may explain glutathione levels in airway fluids and its reduction in cystic fibrosis, potentially impacting oxidative stress.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Cell Biology
- Physiology
Background:
- The cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) is an ion channel.
- CFTR is permeable to chloride and larger organic anions.
- Reduced glutathione levels in cystic fibrosis airway fluid are linked to oxidative stress.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if the CFTR channel is permeable to the antioxidant tripeptide glutathione.
- To explore the role of CFTR-mediated glutathione transport in airway surface fluid.
Main Methods:
- Utilized macroscopic current recordings from excised membrane patches.
- Assessed the permeability of the CFTR channel to glutathione.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated that glutathione is permeant through the CFTR channel.
- This permeability may explain high glutathione concentrations in airway surface fluid.
- Loss of this transport pathway could contribute to reduced glutathione in cystic fibrosis patients.
Conclusions:
- CFTR facilitates the transport of the antioxidant glutathione.
- CFTR-mediated glutathione release may be a novel function.
- This pathway is potentially significant for understanding cystic fibrosis pathophysiology and oxidative stress.