Protective Effect of Magnesium and Selenium on Cadmium Toxicity in the Isolated Perfused Rat Liver System

The isolated perfused rat liver (IPRL) model has been used into toxicology study of rat liver. This
model provides an opportunity at evaluation of liver function in an isolated setting. Studies showed that Cd,
in a dose-dependent manner, induced toxic effects in IPRL models, and these effects were associated with
aminotransferase activity and lipid peroxidation. The aim of this study was to investigate whether Mg and/or
Se could have protective effects against the Cd toxicity in the IPRL model. Male Wistar rats (9-10 weeks)
weighing 260-300 gr were used in this study. They were randomly divided into 8 groups of 4-6 rats per cage.
In group 1, liver was perfused by Krebs-Henseleit buffer without MgSO4 (Control). Groups 2-8 were exposed
to Mg, Se, Cd, Mg +Se, Cd + Mg, Cd + Se, Cd + Mg + Se respectively in Krebs-Henseleit buffer with no
added MgSo4. Biochemical changes in the liver were examined within 90 minutes, and the result showed that
the exposure to Cd, lowered glutathione level, while it increased malondialdehyde level and aminotransferase
activities in IPRL model. Mg administration during exposure to Cd reduces the toxicity of Cd in the liver
isolated while Se administration during exposure to Cd did not decrease Cd hepatotoxicity. Nevertheless,
simultaneous treatment with Se and Mg on Cd toxicity have strengthened protective effects than the
supplementation of Se alone in the liver.