Activity of senescence-induced antioxidant enzymes in the detached rice seedlings (Oryza sativa L. cv. Dongjin) was examined. The levels of ~textrmH2~textrmO2 content and peroxidase (POD) activity were gradually increased during leaf senescence, whereas catalase activity was decreased. The activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) was increased, and ascorbate peroxidase (APX) and glutathione reductase (GR) were slightly increased until 3d and 4d of dark induced-senescence, and thereafter were decreased. The activation of all SOD isoforms showed a significant decrease after 6d and 7d. After 4d to 7d of dark senescence, there was a significant effect in enhancing the activity of APX-12 and -13 isoforms as compared with light, despite similar levels in total APX activity. GR-8 and -10 isoforms were more effective in leaf senescence at 4d to 7d, particularly with respect to dark-induced senescence. These results suggest that the metabolism of active oxygen species such as ~textrmH2~textrmO2 is dependent on various functionally interrelated antioxidant enzymes such as catalase, peroxidase, SOD, APX and GR.