Abstract

An increase in the potential for lipoperoxidation in the rat testis and a decrease in rodents fertility by NaF has been reported (Pinto et al., 1997, Pharm. Toxicol., 80, III, 117; Chinoy et al., 1992, J. Environ. Biol 13, 55). However, other authors described that spermatogenesis in the rat is not affected by fluoride (Sprando et al., 1996, Food. Chem. Toxicol., 34, 377). In order to contribute to the clarification the effects of NaF in animal fertility we have assessed: 1) the effect of fluoride on spermatozoa (sperm.) motility, epididymis (Epidid.) and seminal vesicles (sem. ves.) weight and fructose (fruc.) levels in sem. ves., in mice after 28 days of treatment with 10 mg/kg/day of NaF; 2) Effect of 1 mg/kg/day and 10 mg/kg/day (Groups F1 an F2, respectively) of NaF represted treatment for 28 days in rat on sperm. count, epidid., sem. ves. and testis weight, fruc. levels in sem. ves. and testosterone (testost.) levels.

Results: 1) In the NaF- treated mice the sperm. motility was modified (vs control), showing circle movements of the flagel without displacement while in the controls a rectilinear displacement occurred, similarly to that of normal Human sperm. The parameters further analised where (P < 0.01) Body-weight (g) start-end: 31 ± 1-36 ± 0.4* (control), 32 ± 0.8-35 ± 1 (NaF). Sem. ves. weight (mg): 291 ± 10 (control), 196 ± 11* (NaF). Epidid. weight (mg): 74 ± 5 (control), 74 ± 7 (NaF). Fruc. levels (uM/100 mg): 2 ± 0.1 (control), 3 ± 0.2* (NaF). 2) In rats the parameters analised where (*P vs control < 0.05) Body-weight gain (g): 69.8 ± 3.2 (Control), 102.5 ± 12.5* (Fl), 58.3 ± 4.0* (F2); testis weight (g): 1.77 ± 0.05 (Control), 1.66 ± 0.02* (Fl ), 1.63 ± 0.03* (F2); Epidid. weight (g): 0.35 ± 0.01 (Control), 0.30 ± O.Dl* (Fl), 0.29 ± O.Dl * (F2); Sem. ves. weight (g): 0.80 ± 0.03 (Control), 0.57 ± 0.05* (Fl), 0.71 ± O.D2* (F2); Testost. Level: (nglml): 2.7 ± 0.4 (Control), 2.2 ± 0.8 (Fl), 4.3 ± 0.6* (F2); Fruc. level (uM/100 mg):0.56 ± 0.08 (Control), 0.55 ± 0.11 (Fl ), 0.38 ± 0.01* (F2). Sperm. count was not
modified in NaF-treated groups.

Conclusions: The modification of some parameters related to fertility by the repeated oral NaF intake, in rodents, suggest that NaF has potential to disturb male fertility.

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