Multiple roles of glutathione in the central nervous system.

Abstract

Glutathione is a storage form of cysteine and protects against reactive oxygen species and potentially toxic xenobiotics in the central nervous system. Marked reductions in intracellular or intramitochondrial glutathione are associated with cell death. Enzymes involved in glutathione metabolism are very active in the choroid plexus, and astrocytes maintain a high concentration of glutathione. Astrocytes probably play an important role in regulating cerebral sulfur/glutathione metabolism and in protecting the brain against noxious chemicals. Oxidative stress contributes to age-related neurodegenerative diseases. Patients with inborn errors of glutathione metabolism often exhibit progressive neurological problems. Therefore, increasing brain glutathione levels may have therapeutic benefits.