The effect of 2-substituted thiazolidine-4(R)-carboxylic acids on non-protein sulphydryl levels and sulphurtransferase activities in mouse liver and brain.

2-Substituted thiazolidine-4(R)-carboxylic acids (TD) were found to increase the concentration of non-protein sulphydryls (NPSH) and the activity of rhodanese (thiosulphate sulphurtransferase, EC 2.8.1.1) and 3-mercaptopyruvate sulphurtransferase (EC 2.8.1.2) in mouse liver. These properties suggest TDs are potentially hepatoprotective compounds. However TDs also cause depletion of NPSH in the mouse brain and this may be the reason for their toxic side effects on the central nervous system.