engleski

Selenium-induced decrease of cadmium in tissues of suckling rats

Cadmium (Cd) as a toxic metal is of special concern regarding exposure and effects in neonates. Selenium (Se) prevents the toxicity of Cd through undefined mechanisms causing Cd redistribution in tissues. This protective effect has not yet been studied in the early postnatal period. Suckling Wistar rats were orally exposed to CdCl2xH2O and/or Na2SeO3 in equimolar amounts from day 6 to day 14 after birth. Two experiments were carried out. In the first experiment Se and Cd were given concurrently over nine days (0, 004 mmol/kg/day, each). Pups of the same age in the second experiment were pre-treated with Se for four days and then concurrently treated for five days with Cd (0, 008 mmol/kg/day, each). The concentrations of Cd and essential metals in kidneys, liver and brain at day 15 after birth were determined by electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry. A decreasing effect on Cd concentrations in pups receiving Cd and Se in the first experiment was less pronounced, as indicated by a 26%, 68% and 54% reduction in kidneys, liver and brain, respectively, than in those receiving comparable dosages of Cd but pre-treated with Se, indicated by a 72%, 87% and 67% decrease in the same organs. The present study demonstrated that Se significantly decreased organ Cd concentrations in pups in both experimental designs.

Selenium; Cadmium; Suckling rat; distribution; tissues

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