The tumor-protective effect of selenium in an experimental model.

The possibility of a tumor-protective effect of selenium on the growth of benzpyrene-induced sarcoma was studied in an assay with Balb/c mice. The animals received 4 parts/10(6) selenium in their drinking water for 12 months prior to subcutaneous injection of benzpyrene to induce sarcomas. In contrast to unpretreated controls, the selenium-exposed animals developed significantly less and smaller tumors in a given time. These results are compared to those of other authors. Several mechanisms for selenium influence on benzpyrene metabolism are discussed.