[Studies on inhibitive effects of organic selenium on cell damage caused by SiO2]

Changes in potassium content of macrophage in guinea pigs and in membrane protein of erythrocytes in rats caused by quartz dust, and the effects of selenium-protein and selenium-containing polysaccharide of cell membrane on them were determined with atomic absorption spectrometry and electronic spin label. Results showed quartz could significantly decrease potassium content of macrophage with a dose-effect relationship. Potassium content in the exposed group could return to normal level as the control group by adding Se-protein into quartz dust. Rotational correlation times of the membrane protein in erythrocytes could be decreased by quartz dust, and Se-protein and Se-containing polysaccharide could make them normal. It suggested quartz could cause cell permeability significantly increased, cleavage of peptide-chain of membrane protein, degradation and cross-linkage of protein, and cell damage, but organic selenium could decrease cytotoxicity caused by quartz dust and protect cells from the damage.