Phenol red inhibits arsenate uptake by the everted gut sacs of mice and reduces its toxicity

Uptake of arsenate by the everted intestinal sac of mice was found to be reduced by phenol red. Presence of the dye on the serosal side was more effective. The intestinal damage assessed by the leakage of LDH and the level of lactate, was also lessened by the presence of phenol red. Chronic administration of arsenic was found to cause an increase in LPO and a decrease in SOD levels in many organs. Simultaneous administration of the dye significantly reduced the LPO in the intestines, kidney, and liver of the arsenate treated animals. However, the decrease in SOD activity was restored to normal by phenol red in all the organs tested in the arsenate treated animals. These findings suggest that phenol red is capable of reducing arsenate toxicity in mice.