[Effect of plague "murine" toxin on activity of antioxidant system in cells of experimental animals].

Aim: To study nature of changes in components of glutathione disulfide system of experimental animals influenced by plague "murine" toxin.

Materials And Methods: Total glutathione level as well as levels of oxidated (G-SS-G) and reduced (GSH) forms of glutathione, activity of glutathione reductase and glutathione peroxidase in erythrocytes of Mongolian gerbils (Meriones unguiculatus), mice and guinea pigs were studied.

Results: Sharp decrease of reduced glutathione level as well as increase of oxidated glutathione level were observed in all experimental animal species after intraperitoneal administration of plague "murine" toxin. Changes in levels of GSH and G-SS-G were followed with decrease of total glutathione level. Activity of glutathione peroxidase was decreased in mice and Mongolian gerbils. There was increase of activity of this enzyme in guinea pigs. Level of glutathione reductase was decreased in all studied animals.

Conclusion: Performed studies allow to hypothesize that oxidation of thiolic functional groups in organisms of animals as a result of H2O2 generation has important role during plague intoxication (administration of sublethal doses of plague "murine" toxin).