Modulating effects of selenium in adrenal medulla of rats exposed to 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene.

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the chemopreventive potential of organoselenium compounds (Se I and Se II) in the well-established rat model treated with 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA), by monitoring the extent of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) activity, adrenomedullin (ADM) level and total RNA level in adrenal medulla. Organic pollutants are the most important environmental factor for the biologic systems. DMBA exposure appears to be associated with a number of physiological disease processes.

Methods: The effects of Se I and Se II compounds were investigated on TH activity, ADM and total RNA levels in adrenal medulla of rats exposed to DMBA.

Results: TH activity, ADM and total RNA levels were found to be increased significantly due to the effect of DMBA (p < 0.05). This increase was restricted in the Se I- and Se II-treated groups (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: The present data showed that the organoselenium compounds may have important effects in the maintainance of homeostasis against stress induced by DMBA.