Redox modulation of selenium binding proteins by cadmium exposures in mice

The mechanism of the antagonistic behaviour of selenium (Se) against cadmium (Cd) toxicity is investigated. This study reports the distribution of Cd at the organ and subcellular level after chronic treatments. The possible role of the selenium binding proteins (SBP) during Cd exposure are also evaluated. Kidney concentrates more Cd than liver following 8 weeks of treatment. Simultaneous administration of Se reduced Cd accumulation in Kidney. This affect did not occur in liver. Among the subcellular fractions, the maximum concentrations of both of the elements were found in the cytosol. The overall uptake of 75Se was enhanced in the cytosol of kidney and liver of the Cd treated animals. These observations support a hypothesis that selenium is complexed with cadmium. The increase in the labeling of SBP as a result of Cd exposures may reflect a change in the conformation of the protein molecule. These proteins (SBP) contain a sequence motif, which may be an active redox centre. Also, Cd significantly reduced the glutathione level, thereby disrupting the thiol/disulfide balance. This in turn may affect the redox status of the proteins leading to a 75Se or 75Se-Cd complex with SBP.