Fluoride Action Network

Abstract

The effects of fluoride after subacute oral administration of NaF at levels of 0, 1, 5, 25, and 125 ppm F– were evaluated in adult male BALB/c mice. Fluoride levels in the murine liver, kidney, and cerebrum after one month were determined using a highly sensitive flow-injection apparatus with a fluoride ion selective electrode as the detector. To examine for neurotoxic effects, levels of regional brain neurotransmitters and their metabolites were determined by a high performance liquid chromatography procedure. Water intake increased among the groups administered 25 and 125 ppm F–, and the concentrations of fluoride in liver and kidney were significantly increased among the 125 ppm group compared to the control. On the other hand, the fluoride levels in the cerebrum were not significantly different among the groups. However, a significant difference was observed in homovanillic acid (HVA) in the hypothalamus. Significant differences in the levels of neurotransmitters and their metabolites were not observed in other brain regions.