Fluoride Action Network

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine if streptozotocin-induced diabetes in rats as a model for Type-1 human diabetes causes changes in the levels of fluoride (F) and biogenic elements in the bones and serum in the initial stage of the disease. Twenty-two female Wistar rats were given streptozotocin to induce diabetes; after 10 days the femoral bones and blood were collected for determination of F by potentiometric analysis, Ca and Mg by atomic absorption spectrometry, and estradiol by electroluminescence. At various levels of significance, F, Ca, and Mg increased in the bones. In the serum, F decreased, but Ca, Mg, and estradiol increased. The results indicate that diabetes in the early stages affects uptake of F, Ca, and Mg intake into the bones, which may result in defective crystal formation and an increase of amorphous mineral structure in the bone.