Hepatic Glutathione Reductase and Riboflavin Concentrations in Experimental Deficiency of Thiamin and Riboflavin in Rats

Abstract

Effects of thiamin and riboflavin deficiency on hepatic riboflavin levels and glutathione reductase activity were studied. Hepatic glutathione reductase did not show any change after 3 weeks of thiamin, riboflavin or pyridoxine deficiency, though the riboflavin concentration of thiamin-deficient animals was significantly higher and that of riboflavin-deficient animals markedly lower than control animals. In a longitudinal experiment, erythrocyte glutathione reductase was found to be more sensitive to riboflavin deficiency than liver glutathione reductase, though riboflavin level of the liver diminished at a faster rate than that of the erythrocyte. Hepatic xanthine oxidase was more sensitive than glutathione reductase. Liver glutathione reductase of riboflavin-deficient animals could not be stimulated by the in vitro addition of FAD.