Selenium (Se) is an essential micronutrient affecting various aspects of health. The balance of the Se concentration has an important protective and promoter effect on physiological function in inducing muscular disorders in smooth muscle. Selenoprotein N (SelN) is closely related to Ca2+ release. The present study aimed to determine the effects and mechanism of action of dietary Se on uterine smooth muscle contraction via SelN using a mouse model. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) analysis was performed to detect mRNA levels. Western blotting was performed to detect protein levels. The results of the immunohistochemical analysis showed that Se had an effect on the uterine smooth muscle. The Se-supplement increased the release of Ca2+, Ca2+-calmodulin (CaM) expression, myosin light chain kinase (MLCK) expression, and myosin light chain (MLC) phosphorylation but did not affect ROCK and RhoA in uterine smooth muscle. Furthermore, the lack of Se showed an opposite impact. The effects of Se regulation were closely related to SelN. The interference of mouse SelN was performed on the uterine smooth muscle cell. Additionally, the results displayed the regulation of Se on the release of Ca2+, CaM expression, MLCK expression, and MLC phosphorylation were significant inhibited, and there was no effect on ROCK and RhoA. In conclusion, Se played an important role in regulating the process of contraction in uterine smooth muscle with SelN.
Keywords: Ca2+; MLCK; SelN; Selenium; Uterine smooth muscle.