Abstract

Territorial aggression, sexual behaviour and fertility parameters were evaluated at adulthood of male rats previously exposed to different concentrations of sodium fluoride (Na-F) at their gestation, lactation and postweaning period till maturation. Sixty weanling male Wistar rats were received Na-F via their dams from second trimester of their pregnancy onward till weaning at 30 days of age at one of three different concentrations; 0, 50 and 100 ppm, 20 pups for each dose. Na-F was then administered in drinking water, at the same doses, to the three experimental groups throughout the course of the study till completing all investigations. Na-F treatment significantly diminished territorial aggressive behaviour parameters in adult male rats as indicated by reduced lateralization, boxing bouts, fighting as well as ventral presenting postures compared with controls. Likewise, a significant decline in sexual behaviour was also noted for Na-F-exposed rats, where latencies to first mount, intromission and ejaculation were significantly prolonged, and notably for the higher incorporated dose. Moreover, a significant decrease was evident for frequencies of mounts, intromissions and ejaculations when Na-F was given to males compared to their untreated counterparts. Higher post-ejaculatory intervals were observed with Na-F group, particularly at high dose. Compared to control group, high Na-F-treated rats displayed a significant inhibited profile
of fertility as reflected in reduced number of impregnated females, implantations as well as viable fetuses, along with increased number of resorptions. Relative weights of reproductive organs were also lessened in Na-Fadministered males. Histopathological examination showed degenerative changes in testes, seminal vesicles and prostate gland of Na-F-exposed males with varied degree of severity according to incorporated dose. Our study clearly signifies the adverse effect of fluoride on territorial aggression, sexual performance with inhibited fertility in adult male rats.