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Experimental selenium toxicity in guinea pigs: haematological studies
P M Das1, J R Sadana, R K Gupta
1Department of Veterinary Pathology, Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar, India.
Annals of Nutrition & Metabolism
|January 1, 1989
Summary
Selenium toxicity in guinea pigs can cause anemia and reduced white blood cell counts. Organic selenium from enriched barley was more toxic than inorganic selenium, but sodium arsenite showed a protective effect against selenium toxicity.
Area of Science:
- Animal Nutrition
- Toxicology
- Hematology
Background:
- Selenium is an essential trace element, but excessive intake can lead to toxicity.
- Organic and inorganic selenium forms have different bioavailability and toxicity profiles.
- Understanding selenium toxicity mechanisms is crucial for animal health and feed safety.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the hematological effects of organic (selenium-enriched barley) and inorganic (sodium selenite) selenium in guinea pigs.
- To evaluate the potential protective effect of sodium arsenite against sodium selenite toxicity.
- To compare the toxicity of different selenium forms on erythrocytic and leucocytic parameters.
Main Methods:
- Recently weaned guinea pigs were fed diets containing selenium-enriched barley or barley mixed with sodium selenite.
- Sodium arsenite was supplemented to assess its effect on sodium selenite toxicity.
- Hematological parameters including hemoglobin, hematocrit, red blood cell indices, and total leukocyte count were analyzed.
Main Results:
- Both organic and inorganic selenium caused significant microcytic hypochromic anemia (decreased hemoglobin, hematocrit, MCH, MCV).
- Organic selenium induced more severe anemia compared to inorganic selenium.
- Leukocyte counts decreased, with lymphocytopenia in organic selenium toxicity and reduced neutrophils and lymphocytes in inorganic selenium toxicity.
- Sodium arsenite supplementation mitigated the adverse hematological effects of sodium selenite toxicity.
Conclusions:
- Selenium toxicity, particularly from organic sources, can induce significant hematological changes in guinea pigs.
- Organic selenium appears to be more toxic than inorganic selenium at equivalent doses.
- Sodium arsenite exhibits a protective effect against the hematotoxicity of inorganic selenium, suggesting potential therapeutic or preventative strategies.