Inhibitory effect of selenium and change of glutathione peroxidase activity on rat glioma

The inhibitory effect of selenium (Se) and change of glutathione peroxidase activity during the development of brain tumors was investigated in Wistar rats. Four rat groups classified to match by age and weight were fed a diet containing 0, 0.5, 2.0, and 4.0 micrograms Se/g. After 6 wk, the rats were injected with 3 x 10(6) C6 cells into the right frontal lobe parenchyma. Survival was significantly longer in the 0.5 and 2.0 micrograms Se/g groups than in the Se-free and 4.0 micrograms Se/g groups. The activity of glutathione peroxidase after development of tumors was significantly higher in the high Se group at 18 and 30 d.