Protective effect of selenium on the inhibition of erythrocyte 5-aminolevulinate dehydratase activity by tin.

The protective effect of selenium (Se) on the inhibition of erythrocyte 5-aminolevulinate dehydratase (ALAD) activity by tin (Sn) was examined in mice. When mice were intraperitoneally (i.p.) administered 10 mumol/kg of stannous chloride, the activity of erythrocyte ALAD decreased to 35% of control. When more than an equimolar dose of sodium selenite was injected i.p. simultaneously with Sn, the ALAD activity was completely protected. Mortalities and weight gains of mice treated with Se were also reduced when Sn was administered simultaneously.