Sodium selenite is commonly used as a source of selenium in biological research, where selenium is an essential trace element that is normally provided by serum. Selenium is present in selenoproteins such as glutathione peroxidase and thioredoxin reductase, which contain the selenium analog of cysteine, selenocysteine. In particular, glutathione peroxidase has a role in detoxification in vivo as a scavenger of peroxides. Sodium selenite is included in various medium supplements for use in cell culture. Sodium selenite has been utilized in studies of cell proliferation and cancer research. It has been used to alter gene expression in HepG2 cells as analyzed by cDNA microarrays. Sodium selenite can inhibit zinc finger protein/DNA interactions. Sodium selenite has been shown to alter mitochondrial membrane potentials and thus potentially contribute to apoptosis.
Grade: Cell Culture Reagent
Purity: ~98%
Suitability: Suitable for cell culture
Product Type: Inorganics
Chemical Class: Salts
Boiling Point: 684 +/- 1°C
Melting Point: 217°C (Lit.)
Vapor Pressure: > 0.001 mm Hg at 20°C (Lit.)
Presentation: Pale Gray Powder
Format: Powder
NOTES: Selenium Content ≥44.0%
Solubility: Soluble in water.
Storage & Handling: Store at Room Temperature (15-30°C)