Selenium supplementation within the periconception period: Influence on maternal liver and renal histoarchitecture

ObjectiveTo assess the histoarchitecture of the maternal liver and kidney as influenced by selenium supplementation within the periconception period and to determine which of the periconception stages of selenium intake is most favorable of the liver and kidney.MethodsThirty-six 7-week-old female mice were divided into four groups where all groups were given 6.0 g of food pellets per day. Un-supplemented group (U) received no selenium in the food pellet, Pre-gestation supplemented group (P) was given 3.0 μg selenium/d for 21 d, Pre-gestation to Gestation supplemented group (PG) was given 3.0 μg selenium/d for 37 d, and Gestation supplemented group (G) was given 3.0 μg selenium/d for 16 d only.ResultsThe occurrences of vacuolated hepatocytes and congested central veins in the liver were observed. The P and the G groups incurred the lowest and highest percent occurrence, respectively, of murine mothers that exhibited presence of vacuolated hepatocytes. The mean percent occurrence of congested central veins did not significantly vary among groups. The occurrences of shrunken and swollen glomeruli were observed in the kidney. The mean percent occurrence of shrunken glomeruli showed that P and G groups were significantly lower than those of U and PG groups. The mean percent occurrences of swollen glomeruli did not vary significantly among groups.ConclusionThe histological analyses of the liver and the kidney obtained from different stages of periconception indicate that selenium supplementation would be best during pregestation stage.