Enhanced expression of cystine/glutamate transporter in the lung caused by the oxidative-stress-inducing agent paraquat

► Lung tissue of xCT-deficient mice is more susceptible to oxidative stress than that of wild-type mice. ► xCT can be induced in vivo by oxidative stress in the lung. ► xCT is constitutively expressed in alveolar macrophages. ► xCT contributes to the maintenance of lung glutathione levels under oxidative stress.