Changes in tyrosine hydroxylase activity, adrenomedullin (ADM) and total RNA levels by treatment of organoselenium compounds in rat hypothalamus exposed to 7, 12-dimethylbenzanthracene (DMBA)

The effects of synthetic organoselenium compounds (Se I and Se II) on the activity of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), the rate-limiting enzyme in catecholamine synthesis as well as adrenomedullin (ADM) and total RNA levels were determined in the hypothalamus of adult rats exposed to DMBA (7,12-dimeuiylbenz[a] anthracene). DMBA, an organic environmental pollutant, is a polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon that can induce a range of toxic effects and stress in rats. Selenium is an essential trace element, which interacts with antioxidants, and has anticancer and antihypertensive properties. TH is an aromatic amino acid hydroxylase whose activity is elevated in response to a range of stress inducers. TH activity is normally regulated by negative feedback in catecholamine biosynthesis. ADM is an abundantly present peptide in a broad range of normal tissues including adrenal medulla, lungs, kidneys and brain. Plasma ADM levels are elevated in a number of diseases including essential hyptertension and chronic renal failure. The antioxidant properties of ADM offer protection against organ damage induced by high blood pressure, ischemia and aging. DMBA treatment increased the TH activity and ADM level in the hypothalamus. These increases were found to be inhibited by Se I and Se II treatments. These studies demonstrate that synthetic organoselenium compounds can suppress DMBA-induced stress-related changes in the rat hypothalamus. Therefore, the antioxidant and antihypertensive effects of Se I and Se II may have important effects in the maintainance of homeostasis. © by PSP