Relative Toxicities of Selenite and Selenate in the Drinking Water of Rats

Abstract

Several levels of sodium selenite or sodium selenate were administered in the drinking water of Sprague-Dawley rats (21 days of age) receiving a corn- or rye-based diet to determine the relative toxicities of the two forms of selenium. Levels of selenium of 2 or 3 ppm produced a small decrease in weight in 4 or 6 weeks as compared with the control, but no mortality occurred. There was no significant difference between the effects of the two forms of selenium with respect to weight gains. When rats were exposed to water containing 6 or 9 ppm of selenium as either ion, considerable mortality occurred. More rats receiving selenite died than did rats that received selenate. Overall, the toxicities of the two forms of selenium were similar.