Antimitotic effect of Selol and sodium selenate (IV) on Allium test cells

Selol is a mixture of selenitetriglycerides, obtained by esterification of pre-oxidated triglycerides from sunflower oil with selenous acid. Investigations have been carried out on the anticancer use of Selol and its antimitotic properties. The aim of our work was to compare the effect of two compounds (an organic and an inorganic one) containing selenium with oxidation number at +4: Selol and sodium selenate (IV), on plant cells of Allium test. Structural changes in cells, their mitotic activity and proportions of mitotic phases were subject to experimental analysis. Incubation in both selenium compounds led to changes in structure of chromosomes, consisting in their strong condensation and contraction (cc chromosomes), accompanied by gradual reduction or complete inhibition of cell division. High concentrations of Selol led to strong condensation of chromatin in interphase cells, while cells treated with high concentrations of sodium selenate (IV) displayed typical pseudoapoptotic bodies and totally fragmented nuclei. Both compounds caused inhibition of cell division; however, sodium selenate (IV) was more effective, while low concentrations of Selol stimulated division. Use of Selol resulted in changes in chromosome structure, condensation and contraction, which made it impossible to pass to further phases of cell division. The effect of sodium selenate (IV) consisted in raised prophase index, and high concentrations led to inhibition of divisions and arrest of cells at different stages of mitosis. The results obtained show markedly lower toxicity of Selol in comparison with sodium selenate, which makes it advisable to further investigate that compound as a potential safe anticancer drug.