Cardiac effects of sodium selenite

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Updated: Aug 9, 2026

Methods for ECG Evaluation of Indicators of Cardiac Risk, and Susceptibility to Aconitine-induced Arrhythmias in Rats Following Status Epilepticus
08:28

Methods for ECG Evaluation of Indicators of Cardiac Risk, and Susceptibility to Aconitine-induced Arrhythmias in Rats Following Status Epilepticus

Published on: April 5, 2011

D M Aviado, J Drimal, T Watanabe

    Cardiology
    |January 1, 1975
    PubMed

    Insights

    Selenium, specifically sodium selenite, demonstrates a protective effect on the heart under stress, contrary to traditional toxicity beliefs. This compound enhances cardiac tolerance to various stressors, suggesting a beneficial role in cardiac health.

    Area of Science:

    • Cardiology
    • Toxicology
    • Biochemistry

    Background:

    • The traditional view posits selenium toxicity to the heart at supra-dietary levels.
    • Experimental evidence is needed to clarify the cardiac effects of selenium beyond deficiency correction.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To investigate the effects of sodium selenite on cardiac function and tolerance to stressors.
    • To determine if sodium selenite exerts a positive influence on stressed cardiac tissue.

    Main Methods:

    • Administered sodium selenite to mice and observed changes in LD50 (lethal dose, 50%) for ouabain and 2,4-dinitrophenol, and tolerance to nitrogen inhalation.
    • Evaluated sodium selenite's effect on intact dog hearts and in isolated dog heart-lung preparations.
    • Assessed the inotropic effects of sodium selenite on isolated ventricular segments under normal and oxygen-deficient conditions, with and without beta-adrenergic blockade.

    Main Results:

    • Sodium selenite increased the LD50 of ouabain and 2,4-dinitrophenol in mice, enhancing tolerance to nitrogen inhalation.
    • In dog heart-lung preparations, sodium selenite reduced coronary vascular resistance.
    • Sodium selenite induced a positive inotropic effect in isolated ventricular segments, even under oxygen deprivation and beta-adrenergic blockade.

    Conclusions:

    • The findings challenge the classical notion of selenium-induced cardiac toxicity.
    • Sodium selenite demonstrates a direct positive influence on the heart, particularly when acutely stressed.
    • These effects extend beyond the simple correction of selenium deficiency.

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