Abstract

Toxicity of metal elements and their salts are compromised usually because of therapeutic needs. Glutathione (GSH), a master antioxidant of human body, constitutes a major portion of natural redox system. GSH also strengthens the immune system and paces healing after surgery or infection. Compounds of antimony (Antimonials) are useful in the treatment of leishmaniasis and schistosomiasis. As the compounds cause cardiotoxicity and pancreatitis, so regular monitoring for toxicity is required when they are used therapeutically. Therefore, it is of great interest to evaluate the ex vivo effect of potassium antimony tartrate (PAT) on the status of GSH in the blood components (plasma and cytosolic fraction) of healthy human volunteers. Interaction of the GSH with PAT was carried out ex-vivo as a surrogate to in vivoeffects. The concentration of GSH was measured with ultraviolet (UV)-visible spectrophotometer, using a previously published method (Ellman et al., 1961). The level of GSH was lowered in plasma and cytosolic fractions upon addition of PAT to whole venous blood; the lowering of GSH content was dependent upon PAT concentration and time of incubation. The reduction in GSH level in blood plasma and intracellular components may be either due to formation of PAT-SG complex or conversion of reduced GSH to its oxidized form, glutathione disulphide (GSSG).

Key words: Glutathione (GSH), potassium antimony tartrate, Ellman’s method, oxidative stress.