glutathione Biochem.
(gl(j)uːtəˈθaɪəʊn)
[f. glutamic a. (see quot. 1921).]
A tripeptide of glutamic acid, cysteine, and glycine, metabolically important, esp. as a coenzyme, and perhaps present in all cells.
| 1921 F. G. Hopkins in Biochem. Jrnl. XV. 297 Provisionally, for easy reference, the name Glutathione will perhaps be admissible. It leaves a link with the historic Philothion, has the same termination as Peptone, which has long served as a name for the simpler peptides, and is a sufficient reminder that the dipeptide contains glutamic acid linked to a sulphur compound. 1925 Glasgow Herald 5 Dec. 4 The oxygen-transporting and oxygen-liberating power of glutathione. 1949 H. W. Florey et al. Antibiotics II. xxi. 812 Glutathione and thiothreonine antagonized the anti-bacterial action of penicillin. 1969 Nature 11 Oct. 117/1 The tripeptide glutathione is an almost universal constituent of functioning biological systems. |