Chemical forms of selenium in selenium containing proteins from human plasma

The chemical forms of selenium (Se) were determined in human plasma fractions. Human plasma was subjected to gel filtration using Sephadex G-150, and the first Se peak from this column was subsequently chromatographed on DEAE-Sephacel. The form of Se in the Se peak which eluted from this column was shown to be selenocysteine (SeCys). In a second approach human plasma was again subjected to gel filtration and the first Se peak was chromatographed on Affigel blue. SeCys was shown to be the form of Se in both the retained and unretained Se on this column. The second gel filtration Se peak was also chromatographed on Reactive Blue 2-Sepharose CL-6B and the form of Se which was not retained was also shown to be SeCys. However, the form which was retained was shown to be selenomethionine. Evidence is presented that there are three Se containing proteins in human plasma, which are selenoprotein P, glutathione peroxidase, and albumin.