FORMATION AND UTILIZATION OF γ-GLUTAMYLCYSTEINE IN GLUTATHIONE SYNTHESIS

Abstract

An enzymatic synthesis of glutathione from its three constituent amino acids by extracts of acetone-dried pigeon liver has been the subject of a report from this laboratory (1).In the present communication it is shown that similar extracts catalyze the synthesis of glutathione from L-y-glutamyl-L-cysteine and glycine.Evidence is presented that in the liver system the synthesis of the tripeptide occurs in at least two enzymatic steps; glutamic acid and cysteine combine to form y-glutamylcysteine which subsequently condenses with glycine.Preliminary accounts of t.his work have been presented (2,3). EXPERIMENTAL ')'-GLUTAMYLCYSTEINE