ABSTRACT
Glutathione (l-γ-glutamyl-l-cysteinyl-glycine) is found in almost all cells in relatively high concentrations (e.g., 0.5 to 10 mM). 1 Glutathione has a number of cellular functions. It is an effective intracellular reductant. It functions in catalysis, metabolism, transport, and in the protection of cells against foreign compounds, free radicals, and reactive oxygen compounds. Of relevance to the subject matter of this volume, glutathione is an active participant in reactions that destroy hydrogen peroxide and organic peroxides, such as those catalyzed by glutathione peroxidase or certain glutathione-S-transferases.
