Glutathione-S-Transferase Activity in Tissues of Black Sea Fish Species

The activity of glutathione-S-transferase (GST) in blood and liver in two elasmobranch and ten teleost Black Sea fish species belonging to four ecological groups was studied. Enzymatic activity varied independently in blood and liver. The interspecies differences of GST activity were associated with the specific fish taxonomic position, biology and ecology. Hepatic GST level in fish was higher as compared with that in blood which could be explained by high metabolic rate in this organ, its key role in the processes of xenobiotic detoxification and specificity of enzymes composition. High GST activity in the liver of sluggish and slow swimming fish species ( with the exception of scorpion fish) in relation to active forms was observed. The analysis of GST activity in different fish species taking into account their phylogenic position, specific features of ecology and physiology in different marine locations is important for the evaluation of fish abilities to protect against pollutants and keep their life in the impact environments.