Meeting Abstract

P3-107  Sunday, Jan. 6 15:30 – 17:30  Selenium exposure and its effects on oxidative status in the American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) FINGER, JW*; HAMILTON, MT; KELLEY, MD; ZHANG, Y; KAVAZIS, A; GLENN, TC; TUBERVILLE, TD; Auburn University; University of Georgia; Auburn University; Auburn University; Auburn University; University of Georgia; University of Georgia johnwilsonfinger@gmail.com

Selenium (Se) is an essential nutrient, which in excess can cause toxicity. Anthropogenic activities, such as the disposal of coal combustion waste products, are increasing the risk of Se exposure worldwide. However, most research investigating the toxic effects of Se have been limited to organisms of lower trophic status or organisms that are shorter lived. To counteract this, we administered juvenile American alligators (Alligator mississippiensis) 1000 or 2000 ppm selenomethionine (SeMet) or control water for 7 weeks. After this 7-week period, all alligators were euthanized and tissues were stored -80°C until analysis. Levels of superoxide-dismutase-1 (SOD1), SOD2, and glutathione peroxidase-1 (GPX-1) were measured in whole blood and tail muscle by Western blotting. Save for blood SOD2 levels (p < 0.01), SeMet treatment did not affect any other parameter investigated (p < 0.05). As this is the first study to investigate Se exposure and its effects on oxidative status in crocodilians, future studies are warranted.