OBJECTIVE: To study the cell viability, activities of enzyme and ultrastructure changes induced by sodium fluoride in primary cultured rat hepatocytes.

METHODS: Hepatocytes were isolated using half-in situ collagenase digestion method. Cellular viability was determined by MTT method. The activities of ALT and AST were determined by spectrophotography method. The ultrastructure changes of hepatocyte were observed under transmission electron microscope.

RESULTS: After cultured with various concentrations of fluoride for 24 hours, a dose-dependent decrease of cell viability was detected in the hepatocytes. The activities of AST and ALT in the 2 mmol/L and 4 mmol/L groups were significantly higher than the control group (P < 0.05). Transmission electron microscope study showed that in fluoride treated hepatocytes the changes included swollen mitochondria and disordered, disrupted endoplasm reticulum.

CONCLUSION: Excessive fluoride induced significant toxicity in primary cultured hepatocytes which manifested the injuries of membrane and organell plasma membrane.