Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of overdose fluoride on the proliferation of rat’s incisor ameloblast.

METHODS: 20 Wistar rats were divided randomly into 2 groups: Group I (Control); Group II 50 mg/L F(-) were given. After 8 weeks treatment, the AgNORs stain and TUNEL technique were applied to analyze the effect of fluoride on the proliferation and apoptosis of ameloblasts.

RESULTS: The imagination analysis results showed that proliferation of pre-secretion ameloblasts were inhibited in group II as compared with the control group (P < 0.001). There was significant increase of apoptosis with the trend of migration toward secretion stage.

CONCLUSION: The mechanism of fluorosis mottled enamel may be the effect of overdose fluoride with inhibits proliferation and induces apoptosis of ameloblasts resulting in dysfunction of secretion or absorption of enamel matrix proteins.