The cell cycle arrest and apoptosis of bursa of Fabricius induced by low selenium in chickens

The purpose of this 42-day study was to investigate the effects of low selenium (Se) on immune function by determining cell cycle and apoptosis of bursa of Fabricius. One hundred twenty 1-day-old avian broilers were randomly assigned to two groups of 60 each and were fed on a low Se diet (0.0342 mg/kg Se) or a control diet (0.2 mg/kg Se), respectively. The relative weight of bursa was significantly decreased in low Se group from 28 days of age in time-dependent manner when compared with that of control group. Cell cycle analysis by flow cytometry showed that low Se caused an increase in G₀G₁ phase cells that corresponded to a decrease in S phase cells in bursa of Fabricius. Ultrastructurally, mitochondria injury and increased apoptotic cells with condensed nuclei were observed. Low Se increased the percentage of Annexin V-positive cells, as measured by flow cytometry, in comparison with that of control group. These data suggested that low Se diet restrained the development of bursa of Fabricius by cell cycle arrest and apoptosis.