title: Variation of erythrocyte glutathione peroxidase activity in Finn sheep.
abstract: Erythrocyte glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) which was analysed on a flock of Finn sheep (266 sheep) showed variable activity despite the same diet and selenium intake. Mating experiments suggested that the GSH-Px activity was genetically determined. The low GSH-Px animals showed better performance as shown by a significantly reduced mortality rate of their offspring. Evidence of larger weight gain and wool production in the low GSH-Px sheep was obtained. The GSH-Px activity slightly decreased with age. The erythrocyte GSH-Px activity did not show much correlation with other genetical markers such as the potassium type, GSH type, haemoglobin type or sex. It is proposed that the low GSH-Px may represent an adaptation to low selenium intake.
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D004912:Erythrocytes / Q000201:enzymology*; D005260:Female; D005387:Finland; D005799:Genes, Dominant; D014644:Genetic Variation; D005979:Glutathione Peroxidase / Q000097:blood* / Q000235:genetics; D006454:Hemoglobins / Q000032:analysis; D008297:Male; D010544:Peroxidases / Q000097:blood*; D011188:Potassium / Q000097:blood; D012756:Sheep / Q000097:blood* / Q000235:genetics
chemical_list: D006454:Hemoglobins; D010544:Peroxidases; D005979:Glutathione Peroxidase; D011188:Potassium