Related Experiment Videos
The response of selenium-deficient mice to Candida albicans infection
Abstract:
The effects of selenium deficiency on the responses to Candida albicans infection were examined in mice. When selenium-deficient and selenium-supplemented mice were given i.v. injections of 0.1 ml suspensions of 1 X 10(5) or 5 X 10(4) C. albicans in 0.9% sterile saline, deaths in the selenium-deficient animals started after 2.5-3.5 d compared with 7-8.5 d in the selenium-supplemented animals. Further studies demonstrated that 3 d after an i.v. injection of 1 X 10(5) C. albicans, significantly more of the microorganisms were found in the kidneys (P less than 0.001), livers (P less than 0.025) and spleens (P less than 0.01) of the selenium-deficient mice compared with the same organs of selenium-supplemented animals. Selenium deficiency was also demonstrated to impair the ability of mouse neutrophils to kill C. albicans in in vitro tests. The possible relationships of this defect in function to decreased resistance to C. albicans infection is discussed.
Insights
Selenium deficiency significantly reduces mice's ability to fight Candida albicans infections, leading to earlier deaths and higher fungal loads in organs. This highlights selenium's crucial role in immune response.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Nutritional Science
- Mycology
Background:
- Selenium is an essential trace element involved in various physiological processes.
- Candida albicans is an opportunistic fungal pathogen that can cause severe infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of selenium deficiency on the host immune response to Candida albicans infection in a murine model.
- To determine if selenium deficiency affects fungal clearance and survival rates.
Main Methods:
- Selenium-deficient and selenium-supplemented mice were intravenously infected with Candida albicans.
- Survival rates and fungal burden in kidneys, liver, and spleen were assessed.
- In vitro assays evaluated the fungicidal activity of neutrophils from selenium-deficient mice.
Main Results:
- Selenium-deficient mice exhibited significantly earlier mortality compared to supplemented controls.
- Higher fungal loads were observed in the kidneys, liver, and spleen of selenium-deficient mice.
- Neutrophil function, specifically the ability to kill Candida albicans, was impaired in selenium-deficient mice.
Conclusions:
- Selenium deficiency compromises the host's immune defenses against Candida albicans infection.
- Impaired neutrophil function likely contributes to the reduced resistance observed in selenium-deficient mice.
- Adequate selenium levels are critical for effective immune responses to fungal pathogens.