Effect of selenium on the physiochemical status of rat testes.

ABSTRACT

Selenium (Se) is required for normal testicular development and spermatogenesis in rats. However, there are indications that excess of selenium affects the testicular morphology, resulting in the interruption of spermatogenesis. The biochemical mechanisms underlying these morphological alterations have not so far been investigated. Therefore, in order to have a better understanding of the action of selenium in disturbing the fertility, this study was undertaken, taking into account certain testicular bio-chemical parameters related to reproduction in selenium-intoxicated rats. Effects of sub-lethal doses (100, 250, and 500 micrograms of Se/100g body weight, once in five days, for a month) of selenium on testicular biochemical parameters were studied. Significant dose-dependent alterations in testicular levels of cholesterol, ascorbic acid, glycogen, protein, sialic acid, phosphatases and transaminases were observed in selenium-treated rats, as compared to controls. These findings indicate that sub-lethal doses of selenium may adversely affect gonadal biochemical homeostasis.