Agent Name
Selenomethionine
Major Category
Biological Agents
Synonyms
2-Amino-4-(methylselenyl)butyric acid; Butanoic acid, 2-amino-4-(methylseleno)-; Butyric acid, 2-amino-4-(methylselenyl)-; Methionine, seleno; Selenium methionine; [ChemIDplus] UN3283
Category
Amino Acids and Derivatives
Description
DL- and L-forms are solids; [Merck Index] White crystalline solid; [Sigma-Aldrich MSDS]
Sources/Uses
An analog of methionine containing selenium; [Merck Index] Used as a medication and dietary supplement; [HSDB] "Selenomethionine is a naturally occurring amino acid containing selenium." [Wikipedia] "Methionine containing selenium in place of sulfur." [mediLexicon]
Comments
Causes flaccid paralysis without anesthesia in intravenous lethal-dose studies of mice (LD50 = 22 mg/kg); Causes changes in motor activity and effects on porphyrin in 3-day intermittent intraperitoneal studies of rats; Causes paternal reproductive effects in 28-week intermittent oral studies of dogs; Causes changes in spleen and decreased cellular immune response in 50-day constant oral studies of mice; [RTECS] May cause irritation; Toxic by ingestion and inhalation; Prolonged or repeated exposure may cause organ injury; Targets the eyes, liver, kidney, blood, endocrine system, and nerves; [Sigma-Aldrich MSDS] "See Methionine."
Vapor Pressure
7.5E-08 mm Hg
Explanatory Notes
The Guide in the Emergency Response Guidebook is for "Selenium compound, solid, n.o.s."
Other Information
No other related information on this agent was found.