Ameliorating effect of selenium on chromium (VI)-induced oxidative damage in the brain of adult rats

Chromium is known for its wide toxic manifestations. This experiment aims to evaluate the effect of selenium against oxidative stress induced by chromium in the cerebrum and cerebellum. Female Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups of six each: group I served as controls which received the standard diet; group II received drinking water K2Cr2O7 alone (700 ppm); group III received both K2Cr2O7 and Se (0.5 mg Na2SeO3/kg of diet); and group IV received Se (0.5 mg/kg of diet) for 3 weeks. The exposure of rats to K2Cr2O7 promoted oxidative stress in the cerebrum and cerebellum with an increase in malondialdehyde and a decrease of nonenzymatic antioxidant levels such as glutathione, nonprotein thiol, and vitamin C. An increase of enzyme activities like catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and superoxide dismutase activities was also observed. Acetylcholinesterase activity was inhibited after treatment with K2Cr2O7. Co-administration of Se restored the parameters cited above. The histopathological findings confirmed the biochemical results.