Effect of dietary selenium status on in vitro hepatic mixed-function oxidase enzymes of rats
Shull, L.R.; Buckmaster, G.W.; Cheeke, P.R.
Journal of Environmental Pathology and Toxicology 2(4): 1127-1138
1979
ISSN/ISBN: 0146-4779 PMID: 448255 Document Number: 141531
Mixed-function oxidase activities were determined in isolated liver microsomes from 1st and 2nd generation Se-deficient rats. Second-generation (SG) Se-deficient rats were described as pups born to Se-depleted dams and maintained on a low-Se diet throughout the postnatal period until 100-108 days of age. First-generation (FG) Se-deficient rats were described as weanlings fed the low-Se diet for 11 mo. In both cases the deficiency was characterized by reduced body weight, depressed blood glutathione peroxidase and mild-severe alopecia. Controls were fed the same diet supplemented with 0.5 ppm Se as sodium selenite. Activities of liver mixed-function oxidases were reduced to 34-87% of normal in both FG and SG Se-deficient males and not affected at all in SG-deficient females. Treatment with phenobarbital provoked a significantly greater enlargement of the liver in both FG and SG deficient rats. The capacity for the induction of aminopyrine N-demethylase was not affected in FG or SG deficient rats. Induction of monocrotaline metabolism was 80% of control in FG deficient males and 57% of control in SG deficient females. Se evidently is essential for normal metabolism of foreign compounds by the liver.