Aluminium and selenium: effect on lipid peroxidation in mice brain

Abstract

Aim: This study aimed to determine concentrations of aluminium (Al) and selenium (Se) in mice brain and evaluate the effect of these elements on the level of malondialdehyde, the final product of lipid peroxidation. Methods: Experiments were done on 4-6 weeks old Balb C mice intraperitoneally treated with AlCl₃ (0.15 LD₅₀) and/or Na₂SeO₃ solution/s (0.025 LD₅₀) for 14 days. Control mice received saline solution injections of the same volume. Lipid peroxides were estimated by measuring malondialdehyde level (MDA). The concentrations of Al and/or Se were measured by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (using NexION 300 D). Results: After treatyment with Al or Se, MDA concentration in mice brain increased by 17% as compared to control. Co-exposure to Se and Al resulted in the increase of MDA concentration by 16% as compared to control. Thus, the pretreatment with Na₂SeO₃ 20 min before AlCl₃ injections, could not reduce Al-induced brain lipid peroxidation. Moreover, Se itself induced an increase of MDA concentration. After 14-day exposure to AlCl₃ or Na₂SeO₃, Al concentration increased statistically non significantly by 12% and 8%, respectively. [...].