Effects of copper pretreatment upon toxicity of selenium in ponies.

The research investigates the impact of copper supplements on the toxicity of selenium supplements in adult ponies, demonstrating that copper pretreatments could reduce the harmful effects of selenium overdose.

Study Design and Subjects

• The research involves a sample of 34 adult ponies as subjects.
• The investigators experimentally administered various doses of copper and selenium supplements.

Methodology

• Copper (Cu) was given to ponies in three different doses: 0 mg, 20 mg, and 40 mg per kilogram of body weight. This was done 24 hours before the administration of selenium.
• Selenium (Se) was given in five different concentrations: 0mg, 2mg, 4mg, 6mg, and 8mg per kilogram body weight.

Findings and Symptoms

• Ponies that received 6mg and 8mg of selenium per kg body weight (without copper pretreatment) showed signs of selenium toxicity. These signs include sweating, diarrhea, rapid heart rate (tachycardia), quickened breathing (tachypnea), mild fever (pyrexia), lethargy, and stomach pain (colic).
• Two out of the four ponies that received 6mg of selenium/kg and both ponies that received 8mg of selenium/kg (without copper) died within 36 hours post selenium administration.

Effect of Copper Pretreatment

• Ponies that received either 20mg or 40mg of copper/kg were unaffected by the subsequent selenium supplement regardless of dosage.
• The copper pretreatment did not inhibit the absorption of selenium, as pointed out by serum selenium concentrations, but it quickened the disappearance of selenium from the serum.

Implication

• The research implies a potential remedy for selenium toxicity in ponies through the administration of copper supplements. Though the mechanism isn’t precisely known, the copper supplement somehow facilitates the rapid removal of selenium from the body.