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Uptake of selenium-75 by human lymphocytes in vitro
The Journal of Nutrition
|November 1, 1979
Summary
Human erythrocytes convert selenite to a protein-bound form, which lymphocytes preferentially absorb. This selenium uptake requires sulfhydryl groups but not energy or protein synthesis, with plasma proteins acting as carriers.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Cell Biology
- Human Physiology
Background:
- Selenite is an essential trace element, but its uptake mechanisms in human blood cells are not fully understood.
- Understanding selenium transport is crucial for its role in human health and potential therapeutic applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the pathway of selenite conversion in human whole blood.
- To elucidate the mechanism of selenite and its metabolites uptake by human lymphocytes.
- To identify the role of plasma proteins and cellular energy in selenium transport.
Main Methods:
- Utilized radiolabeled selenium-75 (75Se) selenite in whole blood and isolated human lymphocyte studies.
- Employed various inhibitors (respiratory, sulfhydryl, protein biosynthetic) to probe cellular processes.
- Analyzed the binding of 75Se to plasma proteins and its subsequent uptake by lymphocytes.
Main Results:
- Erythrocytes convert 75Se-selenite into a form that binds to plasma proteins.
- Lymphocytes preferentially absorb the protein-bound 75Se over free selenite.
- Selenium uptake by lymphocytes is sulfhydryl-dependent but does not require energy or protein synthesis.
Conclusions:
- Plasma proteins act as essential carriers for selenium transport to human lymphocytes.
- The identified pathway highlights a unique mechanism for selenium assimilation in immune cells.
- Further research can explore modulating this pathway for therapeutic selenium delivery.