Selenium toxicosis assessment (in vivo and in vitro) and the protective role of vitamin B12 in male quail (Coturnix Coturnix)

The present study was undertaken to elucidate the toxicity induced by sodium selenite in male quail through in vivo and in vitro studies and the role played by vitamin B12 in alleviating selenium toxicity. Administration of selenite orally for 1 month induced hepatic oxidative damage. Selenite decreased body weight gain and increased relative liver weight. Selenite reduced hemoglobin and iron concentrations and elevated total bilirubin concentration. Serum transaminases and alkaline phosphatase activities were increased in selenium-intoxicated quails. Total protein concentration was decreased associated with the appearance of prealbumin fraction, an increased γ-globulin and a decreased α- and β-globulins. The highest level of selenium was found in liver followed by kidney, testis, faeces and blood. Supplementation of vitamin B12 orally for 1 month simultaneously with selenite caused less marked biological alteration in the investigated parameters. In vitro study using isolated quail hepatocytes incubated with sodium selenite showed a dose-dependent response for toxicity markers. These results suggest that selenosis can be reduced by vitamin B12 supplementation.