Phospholipid hydroperoxide glutathione peroxidase: specific activity in tissues of rats of different age and comparison with other glutathione peroxidases.

The tissue distribution of phospholipid hydroperoxide glutathione peroxidase (PHGPX) was studied in rats of different ages. In the same samples the activities of Se-dependent glutathione peroxidase (GPX), and non-Se-dependent glutathione peroxidase (non Se-GPX) were also determined using specific substrates for each enzyme. Enzymatically generated phospholipid hydroperoxides were used as substrate for PHGPX, hydrogen peroxide for GPX, and cumene hydroperoxide for non-Se-GPX (after correction for the activity of GPX on this substrate). PHGPX specific activity in different organs is as follows: liver = kidney > heart = lung = brain > muscle. Furthermore, this activity is reasonably constant in different age groups, with a lower specific activity observed only in kidney and liver of young animals. GPX activity is expressed as follows: liver > kidney > heart > lung > brain = muscle, and substantial age-dependent differences have been observed (adult > old > young). Non-Se-GPX activity was present in significant amount only in liver > lung > heart and only in adult animals. These results suggest a tissue- and age-specific expression of different peroxidases. © 1989.