Influence of Vit. B 12 and Sulfur Amino Acids on Liver Glutathione Level in Mice

Abstract

Summary

No differences were found in liver soluble GSH levels between Vit. B₁₂-deficient and control mice, kept on otherwise normal diets, or on protein-free, or methionine-low rations supplemented with sulfur amino acids. When kept for a short period on diets free of protein, or low in methionine, or fasted, mice deficient in Vit. B₁₂ had lower hepatic GSH levels than the corresponding controls. After 1 month on a methionine low diet, these levels were higher in B₁₂-deficient animals than in the corresponding controls. Cysteine, cystine, and methionine were equally effective in maintaining the soluble liver GSH at high levels in B₁₂-deficient or supplemented mice consuming protein-free diets.