Catalase, Cu/Zn- superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase

Their relationship to oxygen utilization in cellular physiology, clinical and subclinical disease, nutrition and trace element utilization in livestock

Abstract

There is a definite inter-relationship between cellular physiology and the incidence of subclinical and clinical disease. Alterations in normal cellular functions can predispose animals to a wide variety of infectious and noninfectious situations. An understanding of the inherent protective mechanisms of the individual cell and how these alterations manifest themselves in various physical symptoms, the influence of environment, and the physiological impact of adequate nutrition, aids in the development of sound preventative medicine programs. Catalase, Cu/Zn-superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase are three red blood cell enzymes that have a protective role in the animal and serve as a biological monitor of the physiological and nutritional state of the animal.