Selenium and Tellurium in Mice

Abstract

In order to ascertain innate toxicities of selenium and tellurium, 427 mice were given selenite, selenate, tellurite, and tellurate in drinking water for life, at 3 ppm selenium and 2 ppm tellurium, in an environment controlled as to contaminating trace elements. There were 209 controls. No signs of toxic effects in terms of growth, survival, or longevity appeared in males. Selenite-fed males were heavier and females were lighter than their controls at various ages, and female longevity was decreased. No toxic effects were observed in the groups fed tellurate, but in females fed tellurite longevity was decreased. Selenium level was increased in tissues when selenium was fed. None of the four compounds affected the incidence of spontaneous tumors significantly. Amyloidosis occurred more frequently in mice fed selenium than in controls or those fed tellurium.