[Studies on the effects of low-dose selenium and high-dose cadmium on myocardial injury]

The effects of low-dose selenium and high-dose cadmium on myocardial injury were studied in weanling S.D. rats fed with feed containing controlled levels of selenium and cadmium. Results indicated low-dose selenium and high-dose cadmium could injure heart and myocardial cell membrane system to a certain extent, and cause focal necrosis and reduction in activities of glutathione peroxidase and cytochrome oxidase of heart muscle in rats. It suggested there were certain factors in the grain produced in the areas where Keshan disease was prevalent, which injured heart muscle in rats. So, selenium supplement could prevent from myocardial injury caused by the grain grown in those areas.