PLoS ONE (Jan 2013)

Protective efficacy of selenite against lead-induced neurotoxicity in Caenorhabditis elegans.

  • Wen-Hsuan Li,
  • Yeu-Ching Shi,
  • I-Ling Tseng,
  • Vivian Hsiu-Chuan Liao

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0062387
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 8, no. 4
p. e62387

Abstract

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BACKGROUND: Selenium is an essential micronutrient that has a narrow exposure window between its beneficial and toxic effects. This study investigated the protective potential of selenite (IV) against lead (Pb(II))-induced neurotoxicity in Caenorhabditis elegans. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: The results showed that Se(IV) (0.01 µM) pretreatment ameliorated the decline of locomotion behaviors (frequencies of body bends, head thrashes, and reversal ) of C. elegans that are damaged by Pb(II) (100 µM) exposure. The intracellular ROS level of C. elegans induced by Pb(II) exposure was significantly lowered by Se(IV) supplementation prior to Pb(II) exposure. Finally, Se(IV) protects AFD sensory neurons from Pb(II)-induced toxicity. CONCLUSIONS: Our study suggests that Se(IV) has protective activities against Pb(II)-induced neurotoxicity through its antioxidant property.