Chromosome aberrations in rats after sodium selenite intoxication

ABSTRACT

Forty five albino rats of both sexes were divided into two groups. The first group was given sodium selenite in drinking water at a dose of 20 PPM for eight weeks. While the second group served as a control. Clinical signs, pathological alterations and chromosomal aberrations were recorded. The results showed reduction of body and organs weight. The histopathological changes were congestion with vacuolar degeneration of the hepatocytes around the central vein. Hyaline casts, tubular nephrosis and haemorrhage in kidneys. The cytogenetic activity of selenium on bone marrow cells was confirmed by the high percentage of mitotic index and chromosomal aberrations. Ring chromosome, gap formation, end to end association and pulverized chromosome were scored