Metabolic pathway of inorganic and organic selenocompounds labeled with stable isotope in Japanese quail.

The distribution and metabolism of an inorganic selenium (Se) compound and a selenoamino acid in quails were evaluated by speciation with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) and a stable isotope. Quails were orally administered stable isotope [(77)Se]-labeled selenite and selenomethionine (SeMet) at the nutritional dose of 10 μg Se/bird. Then, the quails were dissected 3, 9, and 24 h after the administration to examine the metabolic pathway and the time-dependent change of Se.

Distribution and metabolism of selenite and selenomethionine in the Japanese quail.

Compared to the many studies on the physiological and toxicological effects of selenium (Se) in mammals, avian Se metabolism is still an unexplored topic. Some birds are useful as poultry for human nutrition. Moreover, birds belong to higher trophic levels in the biosphere and thus may play an important role in Se circulation in the ecosystem in the same way as mammals do.

Biodegradation of dibenzothiophene and 4,6-dimethyldibenzothiophene by Sphingomonas paucimobilis strain TZS-7.

Strain TZS-7, tentatively identified as Sphingomonas paucimobilis, was isolated from crude oil for its ability to degrade dibenzothiophene (DBT) and 4,6-dimethyldibenzothiophene (4,6-dmDBT). This strain did not utilize DBT or 4,6-dmDBT as the sole source of sulfur. However, the degradative activity was induced by various aromatic compounds, including DBT, fluorene, anthracene, naphthalene and toluene.