Sub-chronic administration of diphenyl diselenide potentiates cadmium-induced testicular damage in mice

Sub-chronic cadmium (Cd) exposure causes testicular damage in mice. The mode of action may involve oxidative stress and especially lipid peroxidation. The present study has monitored the pathogenesis of testicular damage during sub-chronic Cd exposure and has evaluated the potential protective effect of antioxidant therapy with diphenyl diselenide (PhSe)2. Male mice were dosed with 2.5 mg/kg CdCl2 (2.5 mg/kg) with or without (PhSe)2 (5 μmol/kg) at 30 min post-exposure using a model of five weekly subcutaneous injections. Histological evaluation of the testis was performed across a 4 week test period. Animals exposed to CdCl2 and CdCl2 plus (PhSe)2 displayed a reduction in body weight gain and testicular weight. Progressive damage and histolopathological changes in the testis were not remediated with, but rather were potentiated by, (PhSe)2 therapy. We conclude that (PhSe)2 enhances testicular injury in an animal model for sub-chronic Cd exposure mice.