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Pharmacological particulars
Pharmacotherapeutic group: selenium combinations. ATCvet code: QA12CE99.
Pharmacodynamic properties
The active substances are the essential trace elements copper,cobalt and selenium.The boluses are designed to dissolve slowly throughout the grazing season (up to 6 months),releasing copper, cobalt and selenium. Copper is an integral part of several enzymes with oxidase function e,g. caeruloplasmin, monoamine oxidase, cytochrome oxidase, tyrosinase, lysyl oxidase,cytochrome C and superoxide dismutase. Thus copper is essential for a variety of body functions including growth. In addition, extra copper supplementation is essential in cases of infertility due to the formation of thiomolybdates with molybdenum. Cobalt is an integral part in Vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin), which is important for several metabolic functions. This vitamin is synthesised by micro-organisms in the rumen and is absorbed from there into the systemic circulation. Vitamin B 12 acts as a co-enzyme in several metabolic pathways and in ruminants its main role is in the metabolism of propionate, which is required for synthesis of glucose via succinate in the liver.
Selenium is an integral part in the glutathione peroxidase (GSHPx) enzymes, which are involved in the protection from oxidant stress.These enzymes have a synergistic role with vitamin E and other antioxidants in removing toxic peroxides from tissue and preventing oxidative damage to membranes.Selenium is required in the thyroid gland for the conversion of T4 to T3, the active thyroxine molecule as selenium is required in the iodothyronine deiodinase enzymes.
Pharmacokinetic properties
Following oral administration the boluses lodge in the reticulum where they dissolve slowly over a period of approximately four and one half to six months. The ultimate breakdown products are copper,cobalt and selenium in ionic form. The boluses provide a source of these trace elements at levels compatible with the animals' daily requirements.