THE ROLE OF GLUTATHIONE IN THE DETOXIFICATION OF PERCHLOROETHYLENE

Environmental factors have important roles in the development of cancer. Especially, the exposure of chemicals existing in the workplace with people is a very important issue. People at such places are exposed to chemicals more especially via respiratory and dermal route. Thus, their health is under the risk. Dry cleaning centers are intensively subjected to PCE, which is a common chemical used at these work places, and the risk of cancer is very high for them. The main aim of the present study is to investigate, if PCE exposure results in glutathione efflux from human erythrocytes. In the present study, the changes in intracellular and extracellular non-protein sulfhydryl (NPSH) levels were determined in PCE exposed erythrocytes. PCE significantly depleted intracellular NPSH level in a time and concentration-dependent manner. PCE significantly increased the NPSH levels measured in the extracellular media. Along with the change in extracellular nonprotein thiol levels, significant increases in extracellular glutathione levels were detected. Erythrocyte membranes were not damaged over the course of PCE exposure as indicated by the absence of lactate dehydrogenase activity in the extracellular media. Utilization of MK571 an MRP inhibitor decreased the rate of glutathione efflux from erythrocytes suggesting a role for this membrane transporter in the process. The results of the present study indicate that erythrocytes efflux glutathione when exposed to PCE. In addition to glutathione oxidation, glutathione efflux also contributes to intracellular loss of glutathione when exposed PCE.