Abstract: ObjectiveTo study the toxicity of lead(Pb)poisoning in rats and the protective effects of selenium(Se)supplementation against the damage caused by Pb. MethodsForty Wistar rats were randomly divided into five groups:control group,180 mg/kg Pb group,270 mg/kg Pb group;180 mg/kg Pb+0.5 mg/kg Se group,and 270 mg/kg Pb+0.5 mg/kg Se group.Pb and Se were administered in the form of lead acetate and sodium selenite in the diet.The rats in the control group were given basal diet.All the rats were anesthetized and blood and organs were collected at the end of 7 weeks.Body weight,ratio of organ/body weight,hematological and enzymatic parameters and blood Pb were analyzed. ResultsThe body weight of the rats in 270 mg/kg Pb group(160.22±20.29 g)and 270 mg/kg Pb + 0.5 mg/kg Se group(148.50±9.11 g)was significantly lower than that in control group(204.60±26.21 g)(P<0.05).The ratio of organ/body weight was changed in 180 mg/kg Pb group,270 mg/kg Pb group and 270 mg/kg Pb+0.5 mg/kg Se group,but not in 180 mg/kg Pb+0.5 mg/kg Se group.The hemoglobin concentration in 180 mg/kg Pb group(12.11±2.06 g/dL),270 mg/kg Pb group(10.24±1.61 g/dL)and 270 mg/kg Pb + 0.5 mg/kg Se group(11.97±1.39 g/dL)were decreased compared with that in control group(16.6±4.30 g/dL)(P>0.05),while the hemoglobin level in 180 mg/kg Pb + 0.5 mg/kg Se group was comparable with that in control group. ConclusionSe at a suitable dose can protect against the damage caused by Pb.