Human plasma glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) is a distinct extracellular selenoenzyme that detoxifies hydroperoxides when used with GSH in high (mM) non-physiological concentrations. We have discovered that NADPH and human thioredoxin reductase (TR) by itself or with thioredoxin (Trx) are efficient electron donors to this human plasma peroxidase. Incubation of 0.05 microM TR with 0.25 microM GSH-Px, in a system free from GSH, resulted in reduction of t-butyl hydroperoxide. Addition of Trx, 2.5 and 5 microM, respectively, further increased the rate of the reaction. These data were obtained using an assay measuring the oxidation of NADPH. A direct assay demonstrated the formation of cumyl alcohol from cumene hydroperoxide in this GSH-independent peroxidase reaction. Incubation of 0.25 microM GSH-Px with a low concentration of GSH (10 microM), representing the upper level in plasma, plus excess glutathione reductase and NADPH did not result in any reduction of t-butyl hydroperoxide. However, after addition of 2.5 microM human glutaredoxin, a linear peroxidase reaction started. The results suggest that extracellular TR, Trx, or glutaredoxin are reductants for the selenium-dependent peroxidase rather than GSH.