Selenium in peritoneal fluid.

Selenium (Se) has been identified in reproductive tissues, including human endometrium and decidua. However, no information regarding its presence in peritoneal fluid or any subsequent correlation with a reproductive clinical condition has been reported. This research endeavored to determine the presence of Se in peritoneal fluid in 30 women undergoing diagnostic laparoscopy for an infertility evaluation. Semen analysis, postcoital tests, endometrial biopsy and hysterosalpingography were performed on each patient preoperatively; normal results were a prerequisite. Except in three cases, samples from all patients undergoing diagnostic laparoscopy were obtained during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. Se was assayed quantitatively by instrumental neutron activation analysis. It was identified in all peritoneal fluid samples but did not specifically correlate with any clinical infertility findings.