ROLE OF GLUTATHIONE IN VANADATE REDUCTION IN YOUNG AND MATURE RATS - EVIDENCE FOR DIRECT PARTICIPATION OF GLUTATHIONE IN VANADATE INACTIVATION

The influence of renal glutathione content, modulated by the glutathione synthesis inhibitor buthionine sulphoximine or by glutathione infusion, on the polyuric and natriuretic effects of i.v. administered vanadate was investigated in 20‐ and 5‐day‐old rats. The modulation of renal glutathione content led to significant changes in urine volume and sodium excretion, independently of age. A decrease in the renal glutathione level led to intensification and prolongation of the diuretic effects of vanadate in 55‐day‐old animals. Treatment with glutathione abolished and treatment with buthionine sulphoximine increased the polyuric effect of vanadate. These observations indicate a role for renal glutathione in vanadate inactivation. Age‐dependent differences in the polyuric and natriuretic effectiveness of vanadate are caused by differences in renal glutathione content during maturation of the kidney. Copyright © 1990 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.