Abstract

The biological effects of fluoride were investigated on rats fed pure spring water (natural F- concentration = 0.2 ppm) or spring water enriched with NaF to result 0.8, 1.1 or 2.2 ppm F- during 180 days. The main effects of fluoride have been:

1. Electrocardiographic recordings showed a significant reduction of the electrical systole (QTc).

2. Body weight gain was unaffected by the treatment.

3. Bivalent cations (Ca2+, Mg2+ and Zn2+) were importantly reduced in adrenals, ventricular myocardium, and bone.

4. Na+ concentration was strikingly increased in aorta, lung, and joint of treated animals.

5. In testis, we observed Ca2+ and Na+ retention.

6. Zinc ions were depleted in most tissues, except kidney and submandibular salivary gland.

Our results revealed that chronic administration of fluoridated water does influence systemic biochemical homeostasis in rats, without evoking any overt sign of fluorosis. Moreover, the definition of a “safe” concentration of F- in public w [abstract cut short]