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A Possible Role for the Mixed Function Oxidase Enzyme System in the Requirement for Selenium in the Rat1

G. Siami2, A. R. Schulert and R. A. Neal

Center in Environmental Toxicology, Department of Biochemistry, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee 37232

Male rats are more susceptible than female rats to selenium (Se) deficiency. There is also a sex difference in the activity of the mixed function oxidase enzymes in the rat. Therefore, a series of experiments were performed to see if the degree of Se deficiency could be correlated with the activity of the mixed function oxidase enzymes in the male and female rat. Feminization of male rats by castration or injection of estrogen makes them more resistant to Se deficiency. Masculinization of female rats by administration of testosterone makes them more susceptible to Se deficiency. Administration of phenobarbital also makes female rats more susceptible to Se deficiency. Treatments that increase or decrease the susceptibility of rats to Se deficiency also increase or decrease the activity of the mixed function oxidase enzyme system. Although alternative explanations are possible, it appears reasonable that the mixed function oxidase enzyme system may play a role in the requirement of animals for Se. The role this enzyme system may play in Se metabolism is discussed.

KEY WORDS: • selenium deficiency • selenium toxicity • mixed function oxidase enzymes

1 This investigation was supported by United States Public Health Service Research Grant ES 00075 and by United States Public Health Service Center Grant ES 00267, and Selenium-Tellurium Development Association, Inc. grant.

2 This work was submitted to the Faculty of the Department of Biochemistry in partial fulfillment of the Ph.D. degree in biochemistry.

Manuscript received 12 July 1971.




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