Selenoproteins in fish

Selenium and selenoproteins, such as glutathione peroxidases, are considered essential for the proper development and fertilizing capacity of mammals sperm cells. The purpose of this report was to investigate in adult male fish the selenoproteins: glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and phospholipid hydroperoxide glutathione peroxidase (PhGPx). GPx and PhGPx were evaluated in Dicentrarchus labrax testis by enzymatic assay through the reproductive cycle; steroidogenetic status defined histologically and by steroids radioimmunoassay. GPx was detected in each reproductive phases examined: during the quiescience and through the recrudescence of the gonadal activity; the PhGPx, on the opposite, was detected only in the recrudescence suggesting a reproductive phases expression.