Morphofunctional State of the Rat Epididymis Under the Influence of Silver Nanoparticles and Nanoselenium

The aim of the study was to compare the effect of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and nanoselenium (SeNPs) on the morphofunctional parameters of the epididymis of white sexually mature male rats. The animals were divided into three experimental groups: 1st group received AgNPs (500 μg/kg), 2nd group received SeNPs (500 μg/kg), and the 3rd (control) group received saline solution, once per day for 10 days. The morphofunctional changes in the epididymis were determined by light microscopy and morphometric methods. AgNPs caused a decrease in the diameter of the epididymal tubules and epitheliocyte height, and also led to the formation of desquamated cells and degenerative changes. The SeNPs had less pronounced negative effects and promoted partial maintenance of the morphometric parameters. The results suggest that SeNPs have a protective effect on the morphological structure of the epididymis in rats exposed to AgNPs.