Description

L-Glutathione (GSH)

Bioactive reduced intracellular tripeptide (γ-L-glutamyl-L-cysteinylglycine) for in vitro research on cellular redox homeostasis, reactive oxygen species (ROS) quenching, phase II xenobiotic detoxification, and mitochondrial membrane integrity

Overview & Mechanism of Action (In Vitro)

L-Glutathione (specifically in its reduced form, GSH) is an endogenous intracellular tripeptide with the primary sequence (γ-L-Glu-L-Cys-Gly). It is defined by an atypical γ-peptide linkage between the amino group of cysteine and the carboxyl group of the glutamate side chain, rendering it inherently resistant to intracellular peptidases. The active sulfhydryl group (-SH) on the cysteine residue serves as the principal cellular electron donor. In molecular toxicology, cellular bioenergetics, and immunological research, it serves as the universal reference standard for evaluating antioxidant mechanisms and detoxification cascades:

• Maintenance of Cellular Redox Equilibrium (GSH/GSSG Ratio): Direct regulation of the cytosolic and mitochondrial redox environment; acts as the primary buffer preventing oxidative damage to lipids, cellular structural proteins, and nucleic acids.
• Cofactor for Enzymatic Antioxidant Systems: Functions as an obligate electron donor for glutathione peroxidase (GPx) in reducing lipid hydroperoxides and hydrogen peroxide into water, generating glutathione disulfide (GSSG), which is subsequently recycled back to GSH by glutathione reductase (GR) using NADPH.
• Phase II Detoxification Reactions (GST Pathway): Facilitates covalent conjugation to electrophilic xenobiotics, heavy metals, and cytotoxic metabolic intermediates catalyzed by glutathione S-transferases (GST) in vitro.
• Mitochondrial Protection & Apoptosis Regulation: Shields inner mitochondrial cardiolipin against lipid peroxidation, stabilizes mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm), and attenuates stress-induced caspase activation.

Technical & Chemical Specifications

• Classification: Research Tripeptide / Endogenous Reduced Antioxidant (γ-Glu-Cys-Gly)
• Chemical Name: γ-L-Glutamyl-L-cysteinylglycine (Reduced Form / GSH)
• Form: Sterile white crystalline / lyophilized powder
• Component Identification: Verified via Mass Spectrometry (MS) and analytical HPLC
• Recommended Reconstitution Solvent: Sterile deoxygenated water, sterile bacteriostatic water, or sterile phosphate-buffered saline (PBS, pH 7.2–7.4)
• Storage Conditions: Store long-term at -20 °C in a dry, dark environment. Upon reconstitution in aqueous solution, GSH is prone to progressive atmospheric oxidation to GSSG; prepare fresh working solutions immediately prior to assays or store short-term at 2–8 °C under inert gas.

Scientific References & Literature

• Meister, A., & Anderson, M. E. Glutathione. Annual Review of Biochemistry, 1983.
• Forman, H. J., et al. Glutathione: Overview of its protective roles, measurement, and biosynthesis. Molecular Aspects of Medicine, 2009.
• Marí, M., et al. Mitochondrial glutathione, a key survival antioxidant. Antioxidants & Redox Signaling, 2009.
• Franco, R., et al. The central role of glutathione in the pathophysiology of human diseases and cell death pathways. Archives of Physiology and Biochemistry, 2007.

Legal Disclaimer & Terms of Purchase

This product is classified and supplied strictly for laboratory, scientific, and in vitro research purposes only (Research Use Only – RUO). This compound is not a drug, medicine, dietary supplement, cosmetic product, or substance intended for human or veterinary consumption, direct administration, injection, or diagnostic procedures.

By placing an order, the purchaser explicitly confirms that they are at least 18 years of age, possess the requisite professional qualifications and laboratory equipment to safely handle research materials, and are fully conversant with all relevant safety protocols for managing research substances. The seller assumes no liability for any use contrary to these terms.