LOWERED BRAIN GLUTATHIONE BY DIETHYLMALEATE DECREASED THE GLUTAMATE RELEASE INDUCED BY CEREBRAL-ISCHEMIA IN ANESTHETIZED RATS

The effect of lowered brain glutathione content on the glutamate release following cerebral ischemia was investigated. Diethylmaleate (4 mmol/kg, i.p.), a commonly used chemical reagent for tissue glutathione depletion, significantly reduced the ischemia-induced glutamate release. The release of another excitatory amino acid aspartate was not affected by the diethylmaleate administration. These results suggested that part of the elevated glutamate content induced by ischemia might result from the cellular GSH.