The effect of dietary selenium deficiency on the antioxidant enzyme system in the gastrointestinal tract of the rat.

: The effect of selenium deficiency on the glutathione content and antioxidant enzymes in the gastrointestinal mucosa was studied. It was found that under Se-deficiency the level of glutathione increased, whereas the activity of Se-dependent glutathione peroxidase decreased. The activities of catalase and glutathione-S-transferase were unaffected. Malondialdehyde content was markedly increased in the glandular stomach of Se-deficient rats.