Time dependence of distribution of radioactive trace elements in Se-deficient rats: Application of the multitracer technique

The uptake and the distribution of radioactive trace elements in Se-deficient rats were examined by the multitracer technique, which can be used to evaluate the behavior of many elements under the same experimental conditions. The uptake of Se was larger in the brain, spleen, and testicles of the Se-deficient rats than in those of the normal ones. The uptake of As, Fe, and Sc was larger in the liver of Se-deficient rats than in that of normal ones. In the bone, the uptake of Zr of Se-deficient rats was larger than that of normal ones. Selenium is known to be in a competitive or synergetic relationship with several metals. From the present results on Sc and Zr, it was newly cleared up that there is also some interaction between those elements and Se.