Selenium content and glutathione peroxidase activity in tissues of the dairy cow after short-term feeding.

The effect of selenium and vitamin E on concentrations of selenium and selenium-dependent glutathione peroxidase in tissues of dairy cows was studied. Selenium (5 mg/day) and vitamin E (2 g/day) were supplemented for 10 days in a 2 X 2 factorial arrangement. Selenium supplementation increased content of selenium in whole blood, plasma, ovary, and liver and increased activity of selenium-dependent glutathione peroxidase in liver. Activity of selenium-dependent glutathione peroxidase in follicular fluid was closely correlated with selenium-dependent glutathione peroxidase in plasma. Significant activity of selenium-dependent glutathione peroxidase was detected in luteal tissue of the ovary. Relationships were linear between content of selenium and selenium-dependent glutathione peroxidase in ovary, uterus, and adrenal tissues.