Selenium deficiency, the drug metabolising enzymes and mycotoxicoses in sheep

Authors: Watkinson JH, Sissons CH, Byford MJ
Publication: New Zealand Veterinary Journal, Volume 30, Issue 1-2, pp 9-12, Jan 1982
Publisher: Taylor and Francis

Animal type: Livestock, Production animal, Ruminant, Sheep
Subject Terms: Biochemistry/chemistry, Clinical pathology, Diagnostic procedures, Mycotoxicosis, Liver/hepatic disease, Disease/defect, Fungal/yeast, Metabolic disease, Photosensitivity, Toxicology, Selenium, Trace elements
Article class: Scientific Article

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Abstract: An examination was made of the relationship in Romney sheep between selenium deficiency and (i) the state of the liver drug metabolising enzyme system, (ii) subclinical liver damage, (iii) susceptibility to facial eczema, and (iv) susceptibility to ryegrasss staggers. The microsomal electron transport detoxifying enzymes based on cytochrome P-450 were unaffected by Se deficiency, suggesting that these enzymes are uninduced on ryegrass/clover pastures. Selenium deficiency had no effect on sporidesmin-induced liver damage, which makes it unlikely that peroxidative events countered by Se-dependent glutathione peroxidase (E.C.1.11.10) have a major role in the mechanism of sporidesmin toxicity. Selenium deficiency did appear to suppress the development of photosensitisation. There was no major effect on ryegrass staggers and no deficiency-induced subclinical liver damage.

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