Effect of selenite on the toxicity of cis-DDP in mice: estimation of trace elements.

A significant accumulation of copper, zinc, iron, rubidium and bromine, in addition to platinum, was observed in kidneys and liver of mice treated with cis-DDP. This observation suggests that the toxicity of cis-DDP is due to the overall accumulation of trace elements and not only to the expected high platinum levels. Sodium selenite administration prior to cis-DDP results in fast clearance of all these trace elements from kidneys and liver; control levels are reached within 6 days. This may explain the important reduction in cis-DDP toxicity following selenite administration. An X-ray fluorescence (XRF) facility was used for the evaluation of the trace elements.