Behavior of various trace elements in Se-deficient rats

Abstract

Uptake and distribution of various trace elements in the Se-deficient (I) , (II) , and control rats were examined by the multitracer technique, which can be used to evaluate the behavior of many elements under the same experimental condition. Wistar male rats born to Se-deficient darm were fed with Se-deficient diet for 12 weeks after birth to make them Se-deficient rats (I) . Wistar male rats (4 weeks old) were fed with Se-deficient diet for 8 weeks to make them Se-deficient rats (II) . And 4-week-old rats were fed with Se-adequate diet (0.2ppm of Se) for 8 weeks to use them control ones. The multitracer solution was injected intravenously into each rat. The Se-deficient (I) , (II) , and control rats were sacrificed at 3, 12, 24, and 72h after injection, and the radioactivity in their organs was measured using high-purity Ge detectors. The uptake of Se was higher in the brain of the Se-deficient rats (I) and (II) than in that of the control ones. The uptake of Se was higher in the testicles of the Se-deficient rats (II) than in that of the control ones. The uptake of As and Fe was larger in the liver of the Se-deficient rats (I) than in that of the Se-deficient (II) and control ones. Selenium enhances As excretion to bile in the rats. The observed accumulation of As in Se-deficient rats (I) suggests that bile excretion of As was decreased by the severe Se-deficiency. The increase of Fe uptake in the liver of Se-deficient rats (I) suggests an increase of Fe-binding proteins, such as ferritin in the liver.