Effects of feeding selenium deficient diets to rhesus monkeys (Macaca Mulatta).
Pregnant rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta) were fed either selenium (Se) deficient or Se supplemented diets with adequate vitamin E. Except for some cardiac irregularities in the first babies born to these females, no physiological disorders due to Se deficiency were seen in a subsequent offspring. Plasma and erythrocyte glutathione peroxidase activities and blood Se levels increased in the Se supplemented monkeys but decreased in the deficient ones. The data indicated that hair Se levels reflect long term exposure to this element. In a very preliminary experiment, evidence was obtained to indicate that dietary protein deficiency along with Se deficiency will generate cardiomyopathic lesions characteristic of Se deficiency. It is hypothesized that, in addition to Se deficiency, another dietary deficiency (or abnormality) is necessary to produce Se deficiency lesions in higher primates. Higher glutathione transferase (or non-Se glutathione peroxidase) activity in tissues of rhesus monkeys may account for this resistance.
Butler
J A
JA
Department of Agricultural Chemistry, Oregon State University, Corvallis 97331.
Whanger
P D
PD
Patton
N M
NM
D000824:Animal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; D000818:Animals; D004044:Dietary Proteins / Q000008:administration & dosage; D004912:Erythrocytes / Q000032:analysis / Q000378:metabolism; D005260:Female; D005979:Glutathione Peroxidase / Q000032:analysis; D006197:Hair / Q000032:analysis; D008099:Liver / Q000201:enzymology; D008251:Macaca / Q000502:physiology*; D008253:Macaca mulatta / Q000097:blood / Q000502:physiology*; D008297:Male; D008892:Milk / Q000032:analysis; D011247:Pregnancy; D012643:Selenium / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000032:analysis / Q000172:deficiency*; D012644:Selenium Radioisotopes / Q000378:metabolism; D013045:Species Specificity; D014810:Vitamin E / Q000008:administration & dosage
D004044:Dietary Proteins; D012644:Selenium Radioisotopes; D014810:Vitamin E; D005979:Glutathione Peroxidase; D012643:Selenium