Abstract
2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D), a synthetic auxin herbicide is commonly used in agricultural lands due to its economic value, good selectivity and a wide range of weed control. Its continual usage induces various harmful consequences on health and environment. 2,4-D mediating free radicals disturb the electrolytes homeostasis and Na+ /K+ -ATPase activity. The present study was designed to investigate the Selenium (Se) highly effective antioxidant potency in attenuating the 2, 4-D induced electrolytes alterations in experimental rats. The rats were arbitrarily categorized into 4 batches and treated for 28 consecutive days by oral route with 2, 4-D (150 mg/kg bw/day) associated or not with Se supplement (1 mg/kg bw/day). Results of the present study showed that 2,4-D mediating free radicals caused disruptions as indicated by the disrupted levels of erythrocytes Na+ /K+ -ATPase activity, intraerthrocytes sodium (Na+ ), intraerthrocytes potassium (K+ ), plasma sodium (Na+ ), potassium (K+ ), magnesium (Mg++), calcium (Ca++), malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione reductase (GSH reductase). However, supplementation with Se prevented the 2,4-D induced disruptions as indicated by restored levels of electrolytes, Na+ /K+ -ATPase activity and oxidative status. Overall, results indicate that Se supplementation may work as a potential antioxidant agent against oxidative damage in 2,4-D exposed animals by altering the ionic transport across the cell membrane.
