Selenium supplementation and GSH-Px activity in the IBAT and erythrocytes of cold-adapted rats

Exposure of the animals to cold increased overall oxidative metabolism in the body, especially in the interscapular brown adipose tissue (IBAT). Because of the higher production of the reactive oxygen species in these conditions, adaptation on the level of antioxidative defence is required. We have previously shown that glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) plays important role in IBAT protection in cold-adapted animals. The aim of this study was to examine the influence of selenium supplementation (1.85 x 10(-4)% sodium selenite in drinking water for 45 days) on GSH-Px activity in IBAT and erythrocytes in the cold-adapted (5+/-1 degreesC) rats. Adaptation to cold leads to increased specific GSH-Px activity in the IBAT and erythrocytes, while selenium supplementation additionally increases cold-induced activity of GSH-Px, and provides better antioxidative protection, especially in IBAT. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.