It was reported that high doses of sodium selenite can induce apoptosis of cancer cells, but the molecular mechanisms are poorly understood. Manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) converts superoxide radical to hydrogen peroxide within the mitochondrial matrix and is one of the most important antioxidant enzymes. In this study, we showed that 20 microM sodium selenite could alter subcellular distribution of MnSOD, namely a decrease in mitochondria and an increase in cytosol. The alteration of subcellular distribution of MnSOD is dependent on the production of superoxide induced by sodium selenite.