Abstract

OBJECTIVE:  To study changes in content of lipid peroxide and composition of fatty acids in the brain of rats affiliated with chronic fluorosis after treatment with free radical inducer (ferric ion).

METHODS:  Thirty-six Wistar rats were divided into three groups, fed with similar fodder and varied concentrations of fluoride in drinking water, and were killed five months after treatment. Lipid peroxidation was induced by ferric ions. Malondialdehyde content in brain was analysed by high-performance liquid chromatography; oxygen consumption was determined with an oxygen electrode and fatty acid composition was measured by gas chromatography in brain tissues of the rats.

RESULTS:  In the brain tissues, content of malondialdehyde and oxygen consumption increased, composition of polyunsaturated fatty acids decreased and that of saturated fatty acids decreased after treatment with free radical inducer in the treated group, as compared with those in control group.

CONCLUSION:  Over uptake of fluoride for a long term could cause potential increase in the level of oxidative stress in the brain tissue.