Toxicological effects of sodium selenite in Sprague-Dawley rats

Acute and chronic effects of Se as sodium selenite given as a supplement in the drinking water of Sprague-Dawley rats for 35 d, 1 yr, and 2 yr are compared. For the 35-d study the experimental groups were untreated controls and rats supplemented with 1, 4, 8, 16, and 64 ppm Se. Survival was 100% in the control and 1 and 4 ppm groups, decreased in the 8 and 16 ppm groups, and was zero in the 64 ppm group. Body weights increased and were equivalent in the control and 1 and 4 ppm groups and substantially decreased in the 16 and 64 ppm groups., Serum alkaline phosphatase and glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT) increased with 16 ppm Se and higher supplements. Se toxicity was apparent in microscopic pathology showing liver congestion, fatty degeneration of parenchymal cells, and necrosis. In the chronic studies untreated controls are compared with rate receiving 4 ppm Se in the drinking water. In general, the weight gains throughout were equivalent for both groups. The 1-yr survival in each was above 90% and the 2-yr survival above 50%. With increased age there was a slight reduction in hemoglobin and white blood cells. The latter effect was greater in Se-treated then in control rats. Several serum components were equivalent in both groups, including alkaline and acid phosphatase, SGOT, protein, glucose, and sialic acid. Liver glutathione peroxidase was half and Se levels in the Se-treated rats were twice those in the controls. Data are presented for male rats in the chronic study with occasional reference to data on females. The parameters measured in the chronic study are highly dependent on the age of the rat when Se-supplemented drinking water is initiated.