Objective: To investigate the possible effect of nivalenol on metabolism ofthe cultured chondrocytes and the protection of selenium. Methods: The quantitative analyses ofmetabolism in single- layer cultured chondrocytes were performed by biocliemical means and theimpairment of DNA was observed by both of the single cell microgel electrophoresis assay and theagarose gel electrophoresis assay. Results: In the media containing different concentrations ofnivalenol (0. 000 5-0. 020 0 mg/L), the amounts of DNA and proteoglycan in matrix of thechondrocytes were decreased. The syn-thesis of protein was reduced and the impairment of DNAdeteriorated with the increase of the concentrations of nivalenol in tlte given dose. When seleniumwas added into the media, the impairment by nivalenol was decreased. In the media containingdifferent concentrations of nivalenol, however, the lipid peroxidation of the chondrocytes was notaffected by nivalenol, yet the amount of lipid peroxides significantly declined. Conclusion:Nivalenol may evidently cause impairment of the chondrocytes when its concentrations are in thepresent experimental range. Selenium can protect cultured cliondrocytes, but cannot prevent theirDNA from being impaired.
