Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 11, 2025
10:45
A Silicosis Mouse Model Established by Repeated Inhalation of Crystalline Silica Dust
Published on: January 6, 2023
2.6K
Effect of Selenium on Quantitative Structural Changes in Dexamethasone-Induced Immunodeficiency Rat Models
Farzaneh Dehghani1,2, Seyed-Abdolreza Hossieni2, Ali Noorafshan1,2
1Histomorphometry and Stereology Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
Iranian Journal of Medical Sciences
|March 23, 2021
Summary
Selenium supplementation may help restore lymphoid organ size and structure in rats experiencing dexamethasone-induced immunodeficiency. Selenium did not impact normal lymphoid tissues in this animal model study.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Trace Element Research
- Histomorphometry
Background:
- Lymphoid organ atrophy is a key indicator of immunodeficiency.
- Trace elements like selenium are being investigated for therapeutic potential.
- Dexamethasone (DEX) can induce structural changes in lymphoid organs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of selenium on volumetric changes in lymphoid organs.
- To evaluate selenium's potential to counteract dexamethasone-induced lymphoid organ atrophy in an animal model.
Main Methods:
- Thirty-two male rats were divided into control, DEX, DEX plus selenium, and selenium groups.
- Lymphoid organs (thymus, spleen, lymph nodes) were analyzed using stereology after H&E staining.
- Statistical analysis included Mann-Whitney U and Kruskal-Wallis tests.
Main Results:
- Dexamethasone significantly reduced the volume of the thymus, spleen, and lymph nodes.
- Selenium treatment in DEX-exposed rats showed significant increases in thymic cortex, lymph node outer cortex, and splenic follicles.
- Selenium alone did not significantly alter lymphoid organ parameters compared to controls.
Conclusions:
- Selenium may ameliorate structural damage to lymphoid organs in an immunodeficiency model.
- Selenium does not appear to affect normal lymphoid tissue structure.
