Transmucosal movement of selenium

Abstract

The transmucosal movement of selenium in the everted intestinal sacs of the golden hamsters was studied. The movement of selenium in the form of Na2Se75O3, dl-seleno-75 cystine, l-seleno-75 methionine and dl-C14 methyl-labeled selenomethionine was examined. It was found that selenomethionine was transported against a concentration gradient, and selenite and selenocystine were not. The transport of l-selenomethionine is inhibited by the corresponding sulfur analogue, l-methionine. The transport of selenite and selenocystine were not inhibited by sulfite and cystine, respectively. Selenite, selenocystine, and selenomethionine in the concentration used did not inhibit the active transport of glucose.