Effects of selenium on quartz-induced cytotoxicity in macrophages.

Guinea pig peritoneal macrophages were incubated in vitro with various concentrations of selenium (as sodium selenite), quartz, and quartz + selenite. Cellular viability, adhesiveness, migration, and lipid peroxide content as parameters for cytotoxicity were studied. A dose-dependent cytotoxic response of macrophages to selenite was observed. Selenite concentrations of 10(-6), 10(-5), and 10(-4) M were shown to be nontoxic in the various test procedures. Quartz treatment of macrophages reduced cell viability, adhesiveness, and migration, and enhanced lipid peroxide release. Cotreatment of macrophages with nontoxic selenite concentrations suppressed significantly the cytotoxic effects induced by quartz and was effective in reducing the high rate of lipid peroxidation. The results provide support for the role of selenium in the stabilization of macrophage membrane damaged by quartz.