The influence of "selenium organicum" upon the hepatic function of carbon tetrachloride poisoned rats.

The hepatoprotective action of the Romanian preparation Orgasel containing selenium (Se) 5.01 mg/100 g autolysated yeast powder, was tested on adult Wistar rats poisoned with carbon tetrachloride (CCl4). The hepatotoxic agent (a 20% CCl4 solution in oil) was administered i.p. in a single dose of 0.3 ml CCl4 solution/100 g body weight, and the preparation tested (autolysate of seleniated yeast) was administered by gavage in 4 doses (of 100 mg Se powder/100 g animal each) along 2 days. After 48 hrs the animals were sacrificed, then their blood and liver were collected. The treatment with Orgasel significantly reduced the organs, morphological changes (fat liver degeneration, splenomegaly, testicle degeneration) induced by CCl4 poisoning in the rat, an effect found also at the biological parameters levels studied in plasma and liver. In the plasma, the high lipid peroxide concentrations, the increased activity of alkaline phosphatases, and the reduced antioxidative activity generated by CCl4 have been statistically significant brought to the normal range after Orgasel administration. At the liver this treatment significantly decreased the lipid peroxides production, the total lipids and cholesterol concentrations, and statistically significant increased the enzymes activity (alkaline phosphatases, GPT). The results obtained after Orgasel administration proved that this preparation has a global beneficial action upon the organism in the poisoned rat, as well as a strong antioxidative effect, confirming once again the essential role of Se in maintaining cells' integrity.