EFFECTS OF DIFFERENT LEVELS OF SELENIUM ADMINISTERED TO RATS IN DRINKING-WATER ON DISTRIBUTION AND GLUTATHIONE PEROXIDASE

  • 1 January 1978
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 21  (1) , 115-131
Abstract
Studies were conducted in an attempt to define a biochemical index of Se [found in trace amounts in certain foods] toxicity rather than weight loss, liver disease and death. Rats, maintained on Se-deficient diets, received in drinking water various levels of Se as Na2Se03(0.1, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0 ppm). Changes in Se-dependent glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activities and specific activities (nCi [caries] 75Se/.mu.g Se) were determined in liver, kidney and plasma at baseline and 2 and 10 wk after repletion. In initial Se-deficient rats, GSH-Px activities were markedly depressed and specific activities elevated as compared to 0.1 ppm controls. After 2 wk, liver and plasma GSH-Px activities increased, and plasma-liver-and kidney-specific activities decreased in a concentration-dependent manner. In kidney, there were no differences in enzyme activity at either 2 or 10 wk. At 10 wk, liver GSH-Px activities continued to increase in the 1.0 ppm group, but were depressed at both the 1.5 and 2.0 ppm levels. Specific activities were also depressed in liver and excretion was not increased at these levels. This suggests a biochemical toxicity in liver at levels above 1.0 ppm after 10 wk, prior to the onset of gross pathological changes.

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