Effects of selenium on polymorphonuclear leukocyte function in goats

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Nutritional Science
• Veterinary Medicine

Background:

• Polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMN) are critical immune cells.
• Selenium is an essential trace element vital for immune function.
• Nutritional status significantly impacts immune cell activity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effect of selenium deficiency on goat PMN function.
• To assess the impact of selenium supplementation on PMN activity.
• To correlate PMN function with glutathione peroxidase (GPx) levels.

Main Methods:

• Assessed random migration and leukotaxis of goat PMN.
• Measured phagocytosis of opsonized zymosan via chemiluminescence.
• Analyzed blood, serum, and intracellular GPx activities.

Main Results:

• Selenium-deficient diets severely depressed goat PMN functions.
• In vitro selenium incubation enhanced PMN function.
• In vivo selenium administration increased PMN activity.
• PMN function changes correlated with GPx activity alterations.

Conclusions:

• Selenium inadequacy in goats leads to reduced PMN function.
• Glutathione peroxidase levels are physiologically linked to PMN function.
• Dietary selenium is crucial for maintaining robust immune cell activity in goats.