Abstract

Oral administration of sodium fluoride (NaF) (5 and 10 mg/kg body weight/day) for 30 days to adult male rats, brought about a reduction in body weight especially by high dose (10 mg/kg body weight). In fluorotic rats, testicular cholesterol and serum testosterone levels were not affected. However, succinate dehydrogenase activity in testis was inhibited. Similarly, adenosine triphosphatase activity and sialic acid levels in epididymides were also suppressed with more pronounced effect on cauda epididymis. Consequently, sperm motility and count were decreased leading to a significant decline in fertility by fluoride treatment. Hence, rat is also sensitive to fluoride toxicity.