Effects of nickel chloride on reproduction of the rat and possible antagonistic role of selenium

Nickel (10-100 ppm added as NiCl2) was studied to determine its effects on reproduction of Wistar rats. Tn nine experimental groups, females, males or both were exposed to nickel in drinking water. In one female group and one male group, the drinking water was also supplemented with 0.3 ppm selenium (added as Na2SeO3). Breeding success and the growth and viability of pups were recorded. Nickel, copper and zinc concentrations in kidneys, liver and skin (with fur) of the females, males and pups were determined with an ato mic absorption spectrophotometer. In addition, histology of the male testes (from control and nickel-exposed groups) was studied. The female exposures started 14, 28 or 100 days before copulation and continued during pregnanc y and lactation. When the males were exposed (for 28 or 42 days before copu lation), NiCl2 reduced both the number of pregnancies and the number of pup s born. In the testes, NiCl2 induced shrinkage of the seminiferous tubules, which seemed to close some of the tubules. In the tubules, NiCl2 decreased the number of basal spermatogonia. When the females or both parents were e xposed to NiCl2, pup mortality during lactation was high. However, when the females were drinking NICl2 supplemented with selenium, all the pups survi ved and development of the total mass of the litters was even better than i n the control group. In the same way, in males, selenium supplementation of the drinking water protected those pups that were born; but fertility was lower than with the control treatment. In the tissues studied, nickel accum ulated most in the kidneys and then in the liver and skin. In each type of organ, there was a clear dose-response relationship. In the pups, in partic ular, selenium (given to the females) increased the amount of nickel in tis sues compared with corresponding administration of nickel without selenium. In summary, selenium seemed to counteract the deleterious effects of NiCl2 on the reproduction of rats. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Inc. All rights res erved.