The possible role of selenium in antioxidation in marine waders; a preliminary study

In a marine wader, the oystercatcher (Haematopus ostralegus), the activity of the selenium-dependent enzyme glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) in the red blood cells (RBC) was measured. The average activity, 97 +/- 19 units/g Hb, is within the range reported for mammals. No correlation was observed between the selenium concentration and GSH-Px activity in the erythrocytes and it is calculated that only a small percentage of the selenium present in the RBC is bound to the enzyme. Therefore, it is concluded that the high selenium concentrations in the avian red cells cannot be ascribed to GSH-Px. It is argued that a function of selenium in antioxidation is still possible. The positive relationship found between selenium and iron concentrations in the tissues of the oystercatcher directs to such a role. A pitfall in the measurement of GSH-Px activity is outlined.