Effect of inhaled dimethylselenide in the Fischer 344 male rat

In this project, a total of 60 adult Fischer 344 male rats were exposed to dimethylselenide (DMSe) vapor at 1607, 4499, or 8034 ppm for 1 h (20 rats/group). In addition, 26 unexposed rats were used as controls. The exposed rats were observed frequently during the 7 d following exposure and appeared normal. The animals were sacrificed at either 1 or 7 d after inhalation and the major tissues were grossly examined and weighed. Selenium levels were found to be elevated only in the lung at d 1. At d 1, significant changes in organ weights were an increase in the lung weight at exposure levels of 1607 and 8034 ppm of DMSe and in liver weight at 4499 and 8034 ppm. At d 1, significant changes in the lung were an increase in protein at 1607 and 8034 ppm of DMSe, and an increase in RNA and a reduction in DNA at 4499 ppm DMSe. The only change in the liver was a reduction in DNA at 4499 ppm. At 7 d, the protein content and RNA content of spleen were increased. Lung, liver, kidney, spleen, thymus, lymph nodes, pancreas, and adrenal gland were examined microscopically and found to be normal. All of these observed responses were minor and did not severely impact the health of the rats. Overall, the data indicate that the inhalation of DMSe for 1 h has relatively low toxicity in rats even at high concentrations.