Protection by selenium of lead-acetate-induced alterations on rat submandibular gland function

Pure submandibular saliva was collected intraorally by micro polyethylene cannulation of anaesthetized rats using pilocarpine as a secretagogue. Twenty-four days treatment with lead acetate 0.05% in drinking water altered salivary function. Except for flow rate that was (P < 0.01) increased by lead acetate, the reminder of parameters, concentrations of total protein and calcium and the activity of N-acetyl-<beta>-D-glucosaminidase (NAG) in submandibular secretions were decreased significantly (P < 0.01) by lead acetate. Selenium (2.5 mg l(-1)) in drinking water for 24 days did not induce any significant change in saliva secretory function. Pretreatment by selenium, prevented the lead acetate-induced decrease of NAG activity and concentrations of calcium and protein (P < 0.01), The increased flow rate by lead acetate was also affected by selenium pretreatment and reached the level of control, It is concluded that selenium can protect rat submandibular gland function from lead-acetate-induced adverse effects. Properties of selenium as an antioxidant, free radical scavenger and maintenance of cell membrane integrity may be possible mechanisms of its protective effects.