Cadmium-induced liver, heart, and spleen lipid peroxidation in rats and protection by selenium.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of cadmium-induced peroxidative damage to rat liver, heart, and spleen. Sprague-Dawley rats were injected subcutaneously with a single dose of 25, 125, 500, or 1250 microg Cd/kg and evaluated 6, 12, 24, or 72 h later. Liver, heart, and spleen were analyzed for lipid peroxidation and Fe, Cu, Zn, Se, and Cd concentrations. Data showed that Cd produced enhanced lipid peroxidation in the liver, heart, and spleen. These Cd-induced changes were accompanied by a significant rise in liver, heart, and spleen Fe and Cu, and a fall in spleen Zn and liver, heart, and spleen Se. Concurrent treatment with Se and Cd reduced the Cd-induced alterations in liver, heart, and spleen peroxidation and essential metal levels. Data suggest that lipid peroxidation is associated with cadmium toxicity and that Se was found effective in preventing lipid peroxidation.