[Suppression of CDDP-induced renal toxicity by sodium selenite]

CDDP is a strong anti-cancer agent, but impairs renal function. Since the selenium has been known to reduce the renal toxicity of mercury, the effect of selenium on the adverse action of CDDP was examined in mice. Remarkable protective action of sodium selenite was demonstrated against lethal and renal toxicity of CDDP. Furthermore, addition of selenite did not impair the anti-cancer action of CDDP. Morphological diminution of renal damage by selenite was evident by light and electron microscopic study. The results suggest that selenite decreases renal toxicity of CDDP without impairing its anti-tumor action.