INHIBITORY EFFECTS OF SELENIUM ON THE GROWTH OF L1210 LEUKEMIC-CELLS

  • 1 January 1981
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 41  (5) , 1652-1656
Abstract
Se inhibited [mouse leukemia] L1210 cells in vitro and in vivo. The death of L1210 cells in vitro as indicated by trypan blue exclusion was dependent upon the form and concentration of Se tested. Incubation of L1210 cells in buffer containing Se at 1 .mu.g/ml for 1 h prior to inoculation into mice significantly retarded the ability of the cells to propagate in vivo. Sodium selenite injected i.p. increased the longevity of mice inoculated with L1210 cells. Administration of 40 .mu.g selenium as sodium selenite daily for 7 days resulted in a 65% increase in longevity of mice inoculated with 105 L1210 cells. Injections of sodium selenite at doses of 40 .mu.g/day or less for 7 days did not significantly alter growth, liver weight or red and white blood cell counts. The efficacy of Se therapy was dependent upon the total number of tumor cells given in the initial inoculum. Se administration as sodium selenite was more effective in increasing the longevity of L1210-inoculated mice than was treatment with sodium selenate, selenocystine or selenomethionine. Sodium selenite treatment at 20, 30 or 40 .mu.g/day in mice inoculated with 102 cells resulted in 50, 80 and 90% cures, respectively. Supplementation of the drinking water with 3 ppm Se as sodium selenite increased the longevity of L1210-inoculated mice by approximately 30%. Combined therapy with Se (30 .mu.g/day) and methotrexate resulted in a significantly longer life span of L1210-treated mice than resulted from either compound administered separately.

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