Objective: To investigate the possible effect of nivalenol on metabolism of the cultured chondrocytes and the protection of selenium. Methods:The quantitative analyses of metabolism in single-layer cultured chondrocytes were performed by biochemical means and the impairment of DNA was observed by both of the single cell microgel electrophoresis assay and the agarose gel electrophoresis assay. Results: In the media containing different concentrations of nivalenol (0. 000 5-0. 020 0 mg/L), the amounts of DNA and proteoglycan in matrix of the chondrocytes were decreased. The synthesis of protein was reduced and the impairment of DNA deteriorated with the increase of the concentrations of nivalenol in the given dose. When selenium was added into the media, the impairment by nivalenol was decreased. In the media containing different concentrations of nivalenol, however, the lipid peroxidation of the chondrocytes was not affected by nivalenol, yet the amount of lipid peroxides significantly declined. Conclusion: Nivalenol may evidently cause impairment of the chondrocytes when its concentrations are in the present experimental range. Selenium can protect cultured chondrocytes, but cannot prevent their DNA from being impaired.