Effects of the chronic administration of sodium selenite on rat testes

Testis structure and functions were monitored in male Wistar rats chronically exposed to various levels of sodium selenite (Na2SeO3) in drinking water (4, 8 or 16 ppm). The most remarkable testicular changes were observed in the 16 ppm group: intertubular oedema, oligospermia, scattered foci of degenerated spermatids were found. In addition, marked changes in several specific enzymes of testicular cells occurred along with a significant reduction of mean-tubular-diameters, mean-tubular-areas and mean-tubular-perimeters. These results clearly demonstrate a testicular involvement during chronic exposure of the rat to selenium.