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.