Abstract
Summary
Catalase and the glutathione system containing GPX and GR offer the PMN two mechanisms for disposal of peroxide during phagocytosis. Catalase requires peroxide as substrate whereas GPX requires peroxide and reduced glutathione which is regenerated by GR and NADPH from the HMP shunt. Impairment of either system may lead to accumulation of toxic amounts of peroxide potentially affecting phagocytic function. The activities of catalase compared to GPX and GR were reciprocally related in four mammalian species. Rat and mouse PMNs had negligible catalase activities and enhanced HMP shunt activity reflecting their relative dependence on the more active GPX and GR enzyme systems compared to human and guinea pig PMN which depend more heavily on the cytoplasmic catalase for disposal of peroxide.
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