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Abstract
The effects of acute treatment (i.p.) with selenium (Se) on glucoregulation, by measuring
plasma levels of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), beta-endorphin (beta-EN), corticosterone
(CORT) and glucose over time, were investigated. The hormones of the hypothalamic-pituitary
adrenal (HPA) axis, were measured after treating rats with saline, Se: 1.6 mg/kg,
or 3.8 mg/kg. Blood samples were collected before, 30, 60 and 90 min following injection.
The results show that i.p. administration of Se (both doses) induce a rise in plasma
ACTH, and beta-EN (P < 0.01). Plasma CORT and glucose levels also rose sharply by
30 min (P < 0.05). Corticosterone levels were increased in a dose-dependent fashion
over the ensuing hour. Bilateral adrenal demedullation resulted in the abolishment
of the Se-induced rise in plasma glucose. Pretreatment with metyrapone (300 mg/kg)
was found to delay the Se-induced rise in plasma glucose. The results indicate that
after a Se challenge the HPA axis is activated. In addition, CORT was found to be
essential in the Se-induced rise in plasma glucose.