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Effects of Copper Deficiency on the Activity of the Selenoenzyme Glutathione Peroxidase and on Excretion and Tissue Retention of ⁷⁵SeO₃^2–1,2,

Lung Unit, Department of Medicine, Louisiana State University Medical Center, Shreveport, LA 71130

Liver and lung activities of the antioxidant enzymes glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were determined in control and copper-deficient rats. Decreased activity of SOD was found in liver and decreased activity of the selenoenzyme GSH-Px was found in liver and lung in the copper-deficient animals. The decreased liver activity of GSH-Px could be partially corrected by daily supplementation of the basal diet with sodium selenite. Urinary, fecal and biliary excretion of ⁷⁵SeO₃^2- were determined in controls and copper-deficient rats in order to assess selenium losses. Urinary excretion of ⁷⁵Se was not different in the two groups. Fecal loss of ⁷⁵Se was increased in the copper-deficient animals when compared to controls and biliary excretion was decreased. Tissue retention of ⁷⁵Se was also determined in both groups. Retention of ⁷⁵Se in the copper-deficient rats was increased in brain and lung and decreased in liver. This pattern of tissue retention of ⁷⁵Se is similar to that which occurs in selenium-deficient rats. Copper deficiency in rats results in decreased liver activity of both the copper-containing enzyme SOD and the selenoenzyme GSH-Px. The mechanism of decreased GSH-Px activity is unknown.

KEY WORDS: • copper deficiency • superoxide dismutase • glutathione peroxidase • selenium excretion

¹ Supported by NIH Grants ES 01992, AM 23004 and HL 26618.

² Presented in part at the annual metting of the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology, Anaheim CA, April, 1980. Jenkinson, S. G., Williams, D. M., Lawrence, R. A., and Burk, R. F. (1980) Effects of copper deficiency on superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activities in rat lung and liver. Fed Proc. 39, 555 (abstract).

³ Gastroenterology Division, Department of Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX 78248.

⁴ Hematology Section, Department of Medicine, LSU Medical Center, Shreveport, LA 71130.

Manuscript received 20 August 1981.