FLUORIDE INHIBITION OF SUPEROXIDE DISMUTASE (SOD) FROM THE EARTHWORM EISENIA FETIDA

Abstract

SUMMARY: The occurrence of superoxide dismutase (SOD) in the earthworm Eisenia fetida has been demonstrated. The enzyme was inhibited when the worms were exposed to NaF in vivo and in vitro. Conversely, their exposure to NaF in vivo increased tissue glutathione (GSH) levels. Marked inhibition oc- curred when crude enzyme extract was treated with KCN, suggesting that the enzyme is a CuZnSOD.