Peter Edward Thelwall1, Fiona Elizabeth
Smith1, Matthew Clemence2, Kieren G. Hollingsworth1,
1Newcastle Magnetic
Resonance Centre, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne & Wear,
United Kingdom; 2Philips Healthcare - Clinical Science, Guildford,
United Kingdom; 3Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering,
University of North Carolina / NC State University, United States
Glutathione is a tripeptide that is a central component of cellular defences against oxidative stress. We have shown that a 13C label can be introduced into glutathione in humans by oral administration of [2-13C]-glycine, where this amino acid is incorporated into glutathione. We have shown that 13C-labelled glutathione can be detected by 1H-decoupled 13C spectroscopy in human liver, allowing measurements of glutathione concentration and synthesis rate and providing an insight into cellular defences against oxidative stress.