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Effects of cyanide on selenium metabolism in rats

Journal Article · · J. Nutr.; (United States)
OSTI ID:6199264

Adult male rats were given drinking water containing either 0 or 150 ppm cyanide for 2 weeks. They were then injected with 5 microCi /sup 75/Se-selenite, and excretion of radioactivity in urine and feces was determined. No difference in excretion of /sup 75/Se occurred during the rapid phase, but the cyanide-treated rats (T1/2 28 days) excreted significantly more /sup 75/Se in urine than control (T1/2 38 days) rats. Cyanide had no effect on excretion of /sup 75/Se in feces or on the distribution of /sup 75/Se in cytosolic proteins in liver, kidney, muscle or testes. In a second experiment weanling male rats were given water with either 0 or 150 ppm cyanide and were killed for glutathione peroxidase assay and selenium analysis in blood, kidney, liver, muscle and testes after 3, 6 or 9 weeks of treatment. Glutathione peroxidase activity and selenium concentrations were significantly reduced by cyanide in all tissues except testes.

Research Organization:
Oregon State Univ., Corvallis
OSTI ID:
6199264
Journal Information:
J. Nutr.; (United States), Journal Name: J. Nutr.; (United States) Vol. 114:5; ISSN JONUA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English