[The sodium selenite inhibition of asbestos-induced carcinogenesis in Wistar rats]

Sodium selenite given in drinking water in a 4 ppm solution during the whole experiment was found to significantly inhibit pleural carcinogenesis induced in Wistar rats by intrapleural injection of chrysotile-asbestos powder (20 mg three times, monthly, in 0.5 ml of physiologic saline). Mesothelioma of the pleura was induced in 20.5%. However, chrysotile alone induced tumor in 43.8%. Sodium selenite failed to influence carcinogenesis in other sites. Possible mechanisms of sodium selenite action are discussed.