possible protective role of selenium against lead-induced changes in the structure of the kidney of adult male albino rat. Histological and scanning electron microscopic study

ABSTRACT

This study was done to evaluate the possible protective role of selenium on the renal changes induced by lead. Twenty adult male albino rats were used in this study. They were classified into four groups [five animals each]. In group I [control group] animals received daily equivalent amounts of normal saline orally for eight weeks. Group II included animals, which received selenium orally in a dose of 0.35 mg/kg body weight daily for eight weeks. Group III comprised animals, which received oral doses of lead acetate daily in a dose of 20 mg/kg body weight daily for eight weeks. Group IV included animals, which received both lead acetate and selenium concomitantly as the previously mentioned doses and duration. The kidneys of animals which received lead acetate only [group III] showed focal areas of lesions. Most of the glomeruli were hypertrophied, others were atrophied. Increase in thickness of the basement membrane of the glomerular capillaries and that surrounds the cortical tubules was also observed. Mononuclear cellular infiltration was seen in between the cortical tubules [DCTs] and the proximal convoluted tubules [PCTs] were noticed. The lumen of these dilated tubules contained acidophilic hyaline casts. Reduction in mitochondrial content in the cytoplasm of both PCTs and DCTs cells was observed. By scanning electron microscopic study, there was focal areas of degeneration in the glomeruli with fusion of the foot process of the podocytes. Some glomeruli appeared sclerotic. Degeneration was also apparent in the cells of the PCTs with loss of their apical microvilli. Peritubular fibrosis of both PCTs and DCTs was noticed. The histological picture of kidneys of animals, which received both lead acetate and selenium, was nearly similar to that of control rats, except for dilatation of some of the DCTs