Fluoride Action Network

Abstract

Objective: To study the effects after six months of exposure of mice to increasing concentrations of fluoride in drinking water (tap water, 10, 50, and 100 mg F/L) on their cerebral functions.

Methods: Learning and memory abilities of high-fluoride exposed and control groups of mice were measured by a behavior-toxicological test (Shuttle-box Test), and the cholinesterase (ChE) activity in brain tissue homogenates of the mice was determined.

Results: Learning and memory abilities of the fluoride-exposed groups were significantly lower than those of the control group, and the brain ChE activities of the fluoride-exposed groups were significantly higher.

Conclusions: Elevated fluoride concentration in drinking water can decrease the cerebral functions of mice. Fluoride is a neurotoxicant.