Selenium and kidney deposits in experimental argyria. Electron microscopy and microanalysis.

The conjugate effects of selenium and silver salts were studied in experimental renal argyria. Microanalysis has led to the localization of products of chemical reactions to Se and Ag in tissue sections. After prolonged treatment with Ag salts alone, there was Ag and S deposits in basal membranes. When Se and Ag were used together, the formation of these deposits in glomerular basal membranes was accelerated spectacularly. Electron probe microanalysis has shown that Se replaces S in silver deposits. Compared to its effect on other metals, Se was shown to have a complex action, characterized primarily by its toxic effect, favoring the appearance of symptoms of argyria.