Detection and characterization of a glutathione conjugate of a novel copper complex.

Glutathione (GSH), an important component of the phase II detoxification system, plays a major role in storage, metabolism and transport of metals across the cell membrane. The role of copper, its metabolism and storage in living systems is not completely understood. Copper plays an important role in a number of physiological processes, e.g. several growth and transcription factors require copper for activity. In the present investigation, we focused on copper (II) (N-2-hydroxyacetophenone) glycinate (CuNG), a novel in vitro and in vivo resistance modifying agent. A conjugate of GSH and CuNG was detected in vivo in mice and was characterized by spectroscopic studies. Based on UV, IR, proton NMR and elemental analyses, the chemical structure of the conjugate was elucidated. By means of atomic absorption data, the distribution and metabolism of CuNG is described.