Copper deficiency affects selenoglutathione peroxidase and selenodeiodinase activities and antioxidant defense in weanling rats

Copper deficiency has been postulated to result in low selenoglutathione peroxidase (Se-GSHPx) activity, secondary to alterations in the antioxidant defense system. Type I iodothyronine 5′-deiodinase contains selenium; because it is not part of the antioxidant defense system its measurement provides a way to evaluate the influence of copper on selenoenzymes independent of the antioxidant system. Weanling rats were fed the control diet (125.9 nmol Cu/g diet), copper-deficient diet (7.9 nmol Cu/g diet), or the control diet restricted to the intake of the deficient rats (restrict-fed), for 21 d. Rats fed the copper-deficient diet had cardiomegaly, low hematocrit values, and low tissue copper concentrations, but normal liver selenium concentrations. Liver and plasma Se-GSHPx activities were lowest in the deficient rats. Non-Se-GSHPx activity was similar between control and copper-deficient groups. Liver selenodeiodinase activity was lowest in the copper-deficient rats; this reduction was functionally significant as evidenced by low plasma 3,3′,5-triiodothyronine and high plasma 3,3′,5′-triiodothyronine concentrations.