The effects of selenium on the antioxidant defense system in the liver of rats exposed to cadmium

Physiol Res. 1995;44(5):293-300.

Abstract

Total superoxide dismutase (total SOD), copper zinc containing superoxide dismutase (CuZn SOD), and manganese superoxide dismutase (Mn SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and glutathione-S-transferase (GST) activities as well as ascorbic acid (AsA), and vitamin E (vit E) concentrations were analysed in the liver of rats exposed to cadmium (15 mg Cd/day/kg), selenium (7 micrograms Se/day/kg), and to cadmium+selenium (15 mg Cd + 7 micrograms Se/day/kg), and in control animals. Cadmium caused a decrease of total SOD, Mn SOD, CAT and GSH-Px but an increase of GST activity in the liver of rats. Contrary to cadmium, selenium caused a significant increase of the activity of these enzymes except for GSH-Px. By concomitant exposure to both cadmium and selenium, the toxic effects of cadmium on the activity of mentioned enzymes we abolished. In all exposed groups, the activity of enzyme glutathione-S-transferase was enhanced, indicating its increased role in prevention of lipid peroxidation. Cadmium decreased the concentration of AsA and increased the concentration of vitamin E in the liver, while selenium increased the concentration of both vitamins. However, by concomitant administration of cadmium and selenium, these changes were diminished and tended to reach control values.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Ascorbic Acid / metabolism*
  • Cadmium / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Cadmium / pharmacology*
  • Liver / drug effects
  • Liver / metabolism*
  • Male
  • Osmolar Concentration
  • Oxidoreductases / metabolism*
  • Rats
  • Rats, Wistar
  • Selenium / pharmacology*
  • Vitamin E / metabolism*

Substances

  • Cadmium
  • Vitamin E
  • Oxidoreductases
  • Selenium
  • Ascorbic Acid