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Sodium fluoride induced toxicity in testes of Swiss albino mice and its reversal by ascorbic acid and calciumAbstract
Fluorosis, which was considered to be a problem related to teeth and bone only, has now turned up to be a serious health hazard. The aim of this study is to see the effect of fluoride on the reproductive system and to see the role if any of Ascorbic acid (A.A) and Calcium supplementation. The healthy, adult Swiss albino mice (Mus musculus) were divided into eight equal groups. Group I (fed on standard diet) Group II (NaF 5ppm and 50ppm) Group III (withdrawal of treatment ) Group IV (NaF 5ppm and 50 ppm+25ppm A.A) Group V (NaF 5ppm and 50 ppm+25ppm Ca) Group VI (NaF 5ppm and 50 ppm+25ppm A.A+25ppm Ca) Group VII(25ppm A.A) and Group VIII(25ppm Ca). Recovery was also observed in Group IV, V and VI with simultaneously administration of A.A, Ca and A.A +Ca respectively. Animals from each group were autopsied by cervical dislocation at each post treatment intervals of 10, 20, and 30 days. Quantitative histological study of the spermatogenic events after various periods of drug administration was made from randomly selected sections of the testis. The changes were dose and duration dependent. The value of spermatogonia ‘A’, resting spermatocytes, pachytene spermatocytes, stage VII spermatids and stage XVI spermatids decreased in all experimental groups. It has been reported that sodium fluoride (NaF) affects the histoarchitecture of testis also causing disintegration of the germinal epithelium, vacuolization and exfoliation of cells in the lumen, some of which were giant cells. Thus, in conclusion, sodium fluoride has a definite effect on reproduction. However, the fluoride induced effects are reversible and transient and could be effectively reversed by withdrawal of treatment and subsequent supplementation of A.A and Calcium.