Effect of smoking on GSH and γ-GCS in lungs of rats and the protective role of N-acetylcysteine

AIM: To investigate the effects of cigarette smoking on the GSH and γ-GCS in SD rats, and the protective role of N-acetylcysteine (NAC). METHODS: SD rats were exposed to cigarette smoke, and GSH concentrations in BALF were measured by GSH-specific DTNB-GSH reductase recycling assay. Expression of γ-GCS protein in lung tissue was determined by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: Exposure to cigarette smoking increased GSH content in BALF and the expression of γ-GCS protein in the lung tissue of SD rats. CONCLUSION: Cigarette smoking affects intracellular GSH concentration and the expression of γ-GCS protein in lungs of SD rats. NAC attenuates the inflammatory reaction resulting from cigarette smoking.