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The effects of selenium on the physiological stress response in fish

Selenium (Se), an essential element, can bioaccumulate and become toxic. The
main toxicity symptom in fish, teratogenicity, is mediated by oxidative stress; however,
little is known about the effect of Se on the physiological stress response (PSR). The
effects of Se on the PSR and oxidative stress parameters were investigated in rainbow
trout, brook trout, and white suckers. The PSR was activated by acute and sub-chronic
laboratory exposures to NaSeO3, but not exposure to environmental levels of Se.
Species-specific sensitivity to Se may be explained by biochemical differences. Rainbow
trout (exhibit oxidative damage with Se exposure) have greater GSH reserves (cycles
with Se causing oxidative stress) than brook trout. Selenium in agricultural drain water
did not accumulate to dangerous levels in white suckers, but additional stressors (e.g.
pesticides) were present. Differences in sensitivity to Se may alter competitive
interactions between species, changing community compositions and putting additional
pressure on threatened species. / xiii, 150 leaves ; 29 cm.

Identiferoai:union.ndltd.org:LACETR/oai:collectionscanada.gc.ca:ALU.w.uleth.ca/dspace#10133/397
Date January 2006
CreatorsMiller, Lana L, University of Lethbridge. Faculty of Arts and Science
ContributorsHontela, Alice
PublisherLethbridge, Alta. : University of Lethbridge, Faculty of Arts and Science, 2006., Arts and Science, Department of Biological Sciences
Source SetsLibrary and Archives Canada ETDs Repository / Centre d'archives des thèses électroniques de Bibliothèque et Archives Canada
Languageen_US
Detected LanguageEnglish
TypeThesis
RelationThesis (University of Lethbridge. Faculty of Arts and Science)

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