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Glutathione (GSH)

Glutathione (GSH) is a low-molecular-weight tripeptide (γ-L-glutamyl-L-cysteinyl-glycine) prevalent in mammalian cells. As the primary endogenous antioxidant, it is a critical research standard for investigating cellular redox homeostasis, phase II detoxification pathways, and mitochondrial integrity. The thiol group of the cysteine moiety is the active site responsible for its biochemical activity.

Compound Name

Glutathione

Abbreviation

GSH

Synonyms

γ-Glutamyl-cysteinyl-glycine

Chemical Formula

C₁₀H₁₇N₃O₆S

Molecular Weight

307.33 g/mol

Structure

Tripeptide (Glu-Cys-Gly)

Grade

Research Use Only

Solubility

Highly soluble in water. Insoluble in ethanol, ether, and acetone.rminal pyroglutamic acid (Pyr) confers resistance to aminopeptidases. The peptide forms a 1:1 complex with zinc ions, which induces the active conformation required for receptor binding.

Stability

Susceptible to oxidation in solution, forming Glutathione Disulfide (GSSG). Prepare fresh or store under inert gas.

Isoelectric Point

pH 5.93

Store powder at +4 °C (short term) or −20 °C (long term). Keep desiccated.

For laboratory research use only. Reconstitute using sterile bacteriostatic water consistent with established laboratory research protocols. Preparation should be performed under aseptic conditions. Reconstituted material is not intended for long-term storage.

Isoelectric Point

Research Applications

Glutathione is a fundamental reagent in biochemistry and cell biology, serving as the benchmark for antioxidant capacity.

Oxidative Stress Assays
Used as a standard control in assays quantifying Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) scavenging and antioxidant enzyme activity (e.g., glutathione peroxidase).
Detoxification Pathways
Investigating Phase II metabolism where glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) conjugate GSH to xenobiotics, rendering them water-soluble for excretion.
Cell Proliferation & Apoptosis
Studying the role of intracellular GSH depletion as an early activator of apoptotic signaling cascades (e.g., via mitochondrial pore opening).

Molecular & Redox Chemistry

The “glutathione buffer” is a key determinant of the cellular redox environment.

GSH/GSSG Ratio
In healthy cells, >90% of the total glutathione pool is in the reduced form (GSH). A decrease in the GSH/GSSG ratio is a primary indicator of oxidative stress.
Thiol-Disulfide Exchange
GSH regulates protein function via glutathionylation—the formation of a mixed disulfide bond with protein cysteine residues, protecting them from irreversible oxidation.

Research & Context Limitations

Bioavailability Models: GSH is rapidly hydrolyzed by the exoenzyme gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT) in plasma. Research often focuses on precursor supplementation (e.g., NAC) or liposomal delivery systems to bypass degradation.
Membrane Transport: GSH does not freely diffuse across cell membranes. Specific transport channels (e.g., MRP proteins) are required and are often rate-limiting in experiments.
Compartmentalization: Cellular GSH pools are distinct (cytosolic, mitochondrial, nuclear). Whole-cell lysate measurements may obscure localized depletion events.

References & External Research

PubChem Database: Glutathione Compound Summary
Meister, A., & Anderson, M. E. (1983). Glutathione. Annual Review of Biochemistry.
Forman, H. J., et al. (2009). Glutathione: overview of its protective roles, measurement, and biosynthesis. Molecular Aspects of Medicine.
Townsend, D. M., et al. (2003). The importance of glutathione in human disease. Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy.

The compound listed below is referenced in research contexts related to the mechanisms discussed in this article.

Glutathione (GSH) is supplied as a chemical reference standard strictly for in-vitro laboratory research and development (e.g., standard curve generation, enzyme kinetics, cell culture supplementation). It is not a dietary supplement, drug, or sterile injectable. Not for human or animal consumption.

Glutathione (GSH)

Compound Name

Abbreviation

Synonyms

Chemical Formula

Molecular Weight

Structure

Grade

Solubility

Stability

Isoelectric Point

Isoelectric Point

Age Verification Required

GLP2-T

Thymosin Alpha-1 (TA1)

Tesamorelin

TB-500

SS-31

Semax

Selank

GLP3-R

PT-141