Iron and Magnesium Levels and Electrocardiogram in Rat fed Selenium Deficient Diet

Abstract

Rats were fed selenium (Se) deficient or Se-adequate diet (0.1ppm Se as Na₂SeO₃) for 42 wks from weanling to assess the effects of Se status on iron (Fe) and magnesium (Mg) levels in rat serum and on electrocardiogram. Fe levels in serum were significantly higher in Se-deficient rats than in Se-adequate rats. The serum transferrin concentration was significantly lower in Se-deficient rats than in control rats. Unsaturated iron binding capacity decreased significantly to give a transferrin saturation of greater than 89% in Se-deficient rats. Mg levels in serum were significantly higher in Se-deficient rats than in Se-adequate rats. The concentration of albumin decreased significantly in serum of Se-deficient rats. Se-deficient rats showed a progressive development of a characteristic abnormality in ECG: a depression of S-T segment and bradycardia.