Abstract
The acute phase response (APR) has been shown to alter expression and activity of biotransformation enzymes, such as the phase I cytochromes P450 and phase II glutathione S‐transferases (GSTs). The cytochromes P450 and GSTs are expressed abundantly and colocalized to non‐neuronal cells of the olfactory mucosa. Previous studies indicate that olfactory cytochromes P450 expression and activity is altered during periods of localized inflammation and infection. Little is understood, however, about the influence of the APR on olfactory GST enzymes. This study investigated effects of the APR on olfactory GST isozymes expression and activity in mouse olfactory mucosa after 24‐hr treatment with the acute phase inducer, polyinosinic: polycytidylic acid (polyIC). Western blot analysis using antibodies directed against specific GST isoforms α (A1‐1), μ (M1‐1), and π (P1‐1) demonstrated that their expression was unaltered by polyIC treatment. In contrast, olfactory P450 2E1 expression was significantly decreased. Enzymatic activity of the olfactory GSTs toward the general substrate, 1‐chloro‐2,4‐dinitrobenzene (CDNB) was unchanged during the APR. Analysis of olfactory glutathione content during the APR showed that it was also unaffected by polyIC. The insensitivity of these olfactory GST isoforms during the APR may play a significant role toward limiting the impact of infection and inflammation on the olfactory system. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.