Attempts to quantitate the protective effect of selenium against mercury toxicity using Japanese quail

Journal Article · Mon Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1973 · Fed Proc Fed Am Soc Exp Biol; (United States)

OSTI ID:6151550

El-Begearmi, M M; Goudie, C; Ganther, H E; Sunde, M L

A previous report (Science, Vol. 175, pp. 1122-4) showed that 17% dry tuna containing high levels of Se offered some protection to Japanese quail against methylmercury toxicity. Sodium selenite also protected rats fed methyl Hg in the water. In two experiments, graded levels of Se from 0.35 to 6.0 ppm (total Se in diet) were fed to Japanese quail along with 20.0 ppm of methylmercury. In the first experiment there were no survivors with 20 ppm methylmercury at 67 days. When 0.35, 0.70, 1.5 and 3.0 ppm Se were provided, the survival rates were 4%, 19%, 26% and 33% respectively. In the second experiment, 3% survived to 67 days (with 20 ppm Hg). When 0.35, 0.70, 1.5, 3.0 and 6.0 ppm Se were provided the survival rates were 21%, 36%, 64%, 64%, and 73% respectively. The addition of 6.0 ppm Se to the diet did not effect mortality (100% survival at 67 days) body weight or egg production; however it reduced hatchability. The quail fed the control diet (no added Hg or Se) survived at an average rate of 85%. The data show that 1.5-6.0 ppm of Se increased survival times considerably for quail fed 20 ppm CH/sub 3/Hg from one day of age to 67 days. Eventually nearly all quail die with this level of Hg (20 ppm).

• Research Organization: Univ. of Wisconsin, Madison
• OSTI ID: 6151550
• Journal Information: Fed Proc Fed Am Soc Exp Biol; (United States), Journal Name: Fed Proc Fed Am Soc Exp Biol; (United States) Vol. 32
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

560305* -- Chemicals Metabolism & Toxicology-- Vertebrates-- (-1987)
63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.
ANIMALS
BIOLOGICAL EFFECTS
BIRDS
COMPARATIVE EVALUATIONS
ELEMENTS
INHIBITION
MERCURY
METALS
SELENIUM
SEMIMETALS
TOXICITY
VERTEBRATES