The effects of cadmium and selenium on the ascorbic acid and vitamin E contents in plasma and liver of young and adult rats

Abstract

Young and adult Wistar albino rats were given cadmium ( 15 mg Cd /day/kg). selenium (7 µg Se/day/kg) and both cadmium a.'1.d selenium (15 mg Cd+ 7 µg Se/day/kg) in drinking water in the cours of 30 days. Cadmium caused the decrease cf ascorbic acid (AsA) concentration in the liver and the increase of vitamin E (vit E) concentration in the liver a.rid plasma of both young and adult rats. In the liver and plasma of both experimental groups exposed to selenium the concentrations of AsA and vit E were significantly increased. Ho..-ever,by concomitant exposure both to cadmium and selenium, the single effects of cadmium and selenium on the AsA and vit E concentration in pl;-,.sma were annulled. In the liver, these single effects were diminished.