The effect of dietary selenium deficiency on the antioxidant enzyme system in the gastrointestinal tract of the rat.

The effect of selenium deficiency on the glutathione content and antioxidant enzymes in the gastrointestinal mucosa was studied. It was found that under Se-deficiency the level of glutathione increased, whereas the activity of Se-dependent glutathione peroxidase decreased. The activities of catalase and glutathione-S-transferase were unaffected. Malondialdehyde content was markedly increased in the glandular stomach of Se-deficient rats.