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Note: The following is a limited selection of abstracts from 1994
to present.
•
Due to length, we present this as a separate section
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section for fluorine & organofluorine pesticides.
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When time allows more information will be added.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov:80/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=12220599&dopt=Abstract
Reprod Toxicol 2002.
Jul;16(4):385
Testicular toxicity in sodium fluoride
treated rats: association with oxidative stress.
Ghosh
D, Das(Sarkar) S, Maiti R, Jana D, Das U.
Department of Human Physiology with Community Health, Reproductive
Endocrinology and Family Welfare Research Unit, Vidyasagar University,
721 102, West Bengal, Midnapore, India
This study examined the effect of sodium fluoride,
a water pollutant important through the world, including India,
on testicular steroidogenic and gametogenic activities in relation
to testicular oxidative stress in rats. Sodium
fluoride treatment at 20mg/kg/day for 29 days by oral gavage
resulted in significant diminution in the relative wet weight of
the testis, prostate, and seminal vesicle without alteration in
the body weight gain. Testicular Delta(5),3beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase
(HSD) and 17beta-HSD activities were decreased significantly along
with significant diminution in plasma levels of testosterone in
the fluoride-exposed group compared
to the control. Epididymal sperm count was decreased significantly
in the fluoride-treated group and qualitative
examination of testicular sections revealed fewer mature luminal
spermatozoa in comparison to the control. The seminiferous tubules
were dilated in treated animals. Fluoride
treatment was associated with oxidative stress as indicated by an
increased level of conjugated dienes in the testis, epididymis,
and epididymal sperm pellet with respect to control. Peroxidase
and catalase activities in the sperm pellet were decreased significantly
in comparison to the control. The results of this experiment indicate
that fluoride at a dose encountered
in drinking water in contaminated areas exerts an adverse effect
on the male reproductive system and this effect is associated with
indicators of oxidative stress.
PMID: 12220599 [PubMed - as
supplied by publisher]
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov:80/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=12865044&dopt=Abstract
Environ
Res 2003. Sep;93(1):20-30.
Fluoride-induced disruption of reproductive hormones in men.
Ortiz-Perez
D, Rodri;guez-Marti;nez M, Marti;nez F, Borja-Aburto VH, Castelo J,
Grimaldo JI, de la Cruz E, Carrizales L, Diaz-Barriga F.
Laboratorio de Toxicologi;a Ambiental, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad
Autonoma de San Luis Potosi;, Av. Venustiano Carranza 2405, Col. Lomas
Filtros, CP 78210, San Luis Potosi;, Mexico
Fluoride-induced reproductive effects have been reported in experimental
models and in humans. However, these effects were found in heavily
exposed scenarios. Therefore, in this work our
objective was to study reproductive parameters in a population exposed
to fluoride at doses of 3-27mg/day (high-fluoride-exposed group-HFEG).
Urinary fluoride levels, semen parameters, and reproductive hormones
in serum (LH, FSH, estradiol, prolactin, inhibin-B, free and total
testosterone) were measured. Results were compared
with a group of individuals exposed to fluoride at lower doses: 2-13mg/day
(low-fluoride-exposed group-LFEG). A significant increase in
FSH (P<0.05) and a reduction of inhibin-B, free testosterone, and
prolactin in serum (P<0.05) were noticed in the HFEG. When HFEG
was compared to LFEG, a decreased sensitivity was found in the FSH
response to inhibin-B (P<0.05). A significant negative partial
correlation was observed between urinary fluoride and serum levels
of inhibin-B (r=-0.333, P=0.028) in LFEG. Furthermore, a significant
partial correlation was observed between a chronic exposure index
for fluoride and the serum concentrations of inhibin-B (r=-0.163,
P=0.037) in HFEG. No abnormalities were found in the semen parameters
studied in the present work, neither in the HFEG, nor in the LFEG.
The results obtained
indicate that a fluoride exposure of 3-27mg/day induces a subclinical
reproductive effect that can be explained by a fluoride-induced toxic
effect in both Sertoli cells and gonadotrophs.
PMID: 12865044 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov:80/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=14502225&dopt=Abstract
EMBO Rep. 2003
Sep 19 [Epub ahead of print].
Spatiotemporal
dynamics of the COPI vesicle machinery.
Elsner
M, Hashimoto H, Simpson JC, Cassel D, Nilsson T, Weiss M.
Cell Biology and Cell
Biophysics Programme, EMBL, Meyerhofstrasse 1, D-69117 Heidelberg,
Germany.
Assembly of the coat
protein I (COPI) vesicle coat is controlled by the small GTPase
ADP ribosylation factor 1 (ARF1) and its GTPase-activating protein,
ARFGAP1. Here, we investigate the diffusional behaviours of coatomer,
the main component of the coat, and also those of ARF1 and ARFGAP1.
Using fluorescence-correlation spectroscopy, we found that most
ARF1 and ARFGAP1 molecules are highly mobile in the cytosol (diffusion
constant D approximately 15 microm(2) s(-1)), whereas coatomer diffuses
5-10 times more slowly than expected (D approximately 1 microm(2)
s(-1)). This slow diffusion causes diffusion-limited binding kinetics
to Golgi membranes, which, in FRAP (fluorescence recovery after
photobleaching) experiments, translates into a twofold slower binding
rate. The addition of aluminium fluoride locks
coatomer onto Golgi membranes and also decreases the binding kinetics
of both ARF1 and ARFGAP1, suggesting that these proteins
function in concert to mediate sorting and vesicle formation.
PMID: 14502225
[PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov:80/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=12220599&dopt=Abstract
Reprod Toxicol 2002
Jul;16(4):385
Testicular toxicity in sodium
fluoride treated rats: association with oxidative stress.
Ghosh
D, Das(Sarkar) S, Maiti R, Jana D, Das U.
Department of Human Physiology with Community Health, Reproductive
Endocrinology and Family Welfare Research Unit, Vidyasagar University,
721 102, West Bengal, Midnapore, India
This study examined the effect of sodium fluoride,
a water pollutant important through the world, including India,
on testicular steroidogenic and gametogenic activities in relation
to testicular oxidative stress in rats. Sodium
fluoride treatment at 20mg/kg/day for 29 days by oral gavage
resulted in significant diminution
in the relative wet weight of the testis, prostate, and seminal
vesicle without alteration in the body weight gain. Testicular Delta(5),3beta-hydroxysteroid
dehydrogenase (HSD) and 17beta-HSD activities were decreased significantly
along with significant diminution in
plasma levels of testosterone in the fluoride-exposed
group compared to the control. Epididymal sperm count was decreased
significantly in the fluoride-treated
group and qualitative examination of testicular sections revealed
fewer mature luminal spermatozoa in comparison to the control. The
seminiferous tubules were dilated in treated animals. Fluoride
treatment was associated with oxidative stress
as indicated by an increased level of conjugated dienes in the testis,
epididymis, and epididymal sperm pellet with respect to control.
Peroxidase and catalase activities in the sperm pellet were decreased
significantly in comparison to the
control. The results of this experiment indicate that fluoride
at a dose encountered in drinking water in contaminated areas exerts
an adverse effect on the male reproductive system and this effect
is associated with indicators of oxidative stress.
PMID: 12220599 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
Fluoride 2002;
35(3):153-160
In vitro
influence of sodium fluoride on ram semen
quality and enzyme activities
Zakrzewska
H (a), Udala J (b), Blaszczyk B (b)
(a) For correspondence:
Dr. H. Zakrzewska, Dept. of Biochemistry, Agricultural University,
17 Slowackiego Street, 71-434 Szczecin, Poland
Summary: The percentage
of spermatozoa in ram semen with intact acrosomes and the level
of spermatozoa motility decreased significantly
after dilution and after 5 hr incubation at 38¼C. Both indices decreased
significantly in the presence of NaF at concentrations ranging from
20 ugmol/L to 0.1 mol/L. The activities of androgen-dependent enzymes
- acid phosphatase (ACP), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and gamma-glutamyl
transferase (y-GT-10S) - decreased significantly
when the ejaculate was treated with NaF at concentrations of 20,
100, 200 ugmol/L (0.38; 1.9; 3.8 ppm F), but they returned to the
initial value of the control at 0.1 mol/L (1900 ppm F). The activity
of asparate transaminase (AspAT) displayed a large increase with
the increasing lower F- concentration. These
changes undoubtedly affect the physiological functions of the sperm.
From TOXNET
Chung-Kuo Kung Kung Wei
Sheng (China Public Health) 2000 Aug;16(8):697-8
[The primary
study of antagonism of selenium on fluoride-induced reproductive
toxicity of male rat]
[Article in Chinese]
Zhu XZ,
Ying CJ, Liu SH, Yang KD, Wang QZ.
Department of Clinic
Nutrition, Tongji Hospital Tongji Medical University, Wuhan, China.
English Abstract Indicator:
A Abstract: The protective effect of ascorbic acid at dose level
of 1.0 mg/L in drinking water against the fluoride-induced damage
on reproductive system of rat was studied.
150 mg/L sodium fluoride (NaF) in drinking water of male rat can
cause the significant decrease of sperm count and mobility, the
increase of serum and testicular lipid peroxides (LPO) contents,
and the adenosine triphosphatase (ATPase) activity depression of
epididymis. All of those effects are reversible by adding
adequate ascorbic acid in drinking water simultaneously. The effects
of ascorbic acid against fluoride-induced damages are similar to
those produced by 2.0 mg/L Na2SeO3 in the drinking water of rats.
However, no significant recovery of fluoride-induced effects on
GSH-Px activities in the tissues of testis and epididymis were observed
in ascorbic acid and fluoride group. The mechanism of ascorbic acid
on fluoride-induced damage of male reproductive system need to be
further studied.
Dart
Special at Toxnet
Environmental
Sciences: an International Journal of Environmental Physiology and
Toxicology. 2000;7(1):29-38
Reversal
of fluoride-induced alteration in cauda epididymal spermatozoa and
fertility impairment in male mice.
Chinoy
NJ and Sharma A
Abstract:
The effects of sodium fluoride (NaF) ingestion (10 mg NaF/kg body
weight) and the possible therapeutic effects of ascorbic acid (AA,
15 mg/animal/day) and/or calcium phosphate (Ca,
25 mg/animal/day) on the reproductive functions and fertility of
male mice were investigated. NaF-ingestion
brought about a significant decline in sperm acrosomal acrosin and
hyaluronidase. Cauda epididymal sperm
stained with alcoholic acidic silver nitrate reagent revealed acrosomal
damage and deflagellation. However, sperm nuclear integrity
was not affected by the treatment. The reduced
activity of the enzymes as well as the structural and metabolic
alterations in the sperm led to a significant decrease in sperm
count, and motility and live:dead ratios but an increase in abnormal
sperm which ultimately lead to a poor fertility rate. The
cessation of NaF-treatment was not conducive to bringing about a
complete recovery. However, the administration of AA or Ca to NaF-treated
mice revealed significant recovery from fluoride toxicity in all
the above parameters. The recovery was more pronounced in the animal
group treated with both AA and calcium in combination, thus indicating
a synergistic or additive action. It is concluded that fluoride
has a definite effect on male reproduction and fertility. However,
the effects are transient and reversible with the administration
of AA and Ca. Therefore, AA and Ca are proposed as therapeutic agents
for populations in endemic areas for the amelioration of fluoride
effects on reproductive functions.
Full report
available at http://www.fluoride-journal.com/98-31-4/314-203.htm
Fluoride 1998;
31(4):203-216
Amelioration
of fluoride toxicity by Vitamins E and D in reproductive functions
of male mice
NJ Chinoy
* and A Sharma
*Address for correspondence.
Reproductive Endocrinology and Toxicology Unit, UGC Department of
Special Assistance and COSIST in Zoology, School of Sciences, Gujarat
University, Ahmedabad 380009, India.
SUMMARY: Studies on the
beneficial effects of vitamins E and D supplementation on functions
of caput and cauda epididymides, their spermatozoa, vas deferens
and seminal vesicle of sodium fluoride (NaF) treated (10 mg/kg body
weight) male mice (Mus musculus) were carried out. The
NaF treatment resulted in significant decrease in the body and epididymis
weight but those of vas deferens and seminal vesicle were
not affected. NaF treatment brought about
alterations in epididymal milieu as elucidated by the significant
decrease in levels of sialic acid and protein as well as activity
of ATPase in epididymides. As a result,
the sperm maturation process was affected leading to a significant
decline in cauda epididymal sperm motility and viability. This caused
a significant reduction in fertility rate. The cauda epididymal
sperm count was also significantly reduced. The data obtained suggest
that fluoride treatment induced significant metabolic alterations
in the epididymides, vas deferens and seminal vesicles of mice.
The withdrawal of NaF treatment (30 days) produced incomplete
recovery. On the other hand, sup-plementation of vitamins E or D
during the withdrawal period of NaF treated mice was found to be
very beneficial in recovery of all NaF induced effects, thus elucidating
their ameliorative role in recovery from toxic effects of NaF on
the reproductive functions and fertility. On the whole, a combination
of vitamins E and D treatment was comparatively more effective than
that with vitamin E or D alone. Therefore, vitamin therapy could
be beneficial for the amelioration of fluoride induced
changes in reproductive functions.
1997. A dissertation
submitted to the School of Biological Sciences, University of Surrey,
in fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy.
Guildford 1997.
The effect of fluoride on
the physiology of the pinal gland
Jennifer Anne Luke
Abstract:
The purpose was to discover whether fluoride (F) accumulates in
the pineal gland and thereby affects pineal physiology during
early development. The [F] of 11 aged human pineals and corresponding
muscle were determined using the F-electrode following HMDS/acid
diffusion. The mean [F] of pineal was significantly higher (p<0.001)
than muscle: 296 ± 257 vs. 0.5 ± 0.4 mg/kg
respectively. Secondly, a controlled longitudinal experimental
study was carried out to discover whether F affects the biosynthesis
of melatonin, (MT), during pubertal development using the excretion
rate of urinary 6-sulphatoxymelatonin, (aMT6s), as the index of
pineal MT synthesis. Urine was collected at 3-hourly intervals
over 48 hours from two groups of gerbils (Meriones unguiculatus),
low-F (LF) and high-F (HF) (12 f, 12 m/group): under LD: 12 12,
from prepubescence to reproductive maturity (at 9-12 weeks) to
adulthood, i.e., at 7, 9, 11 1/2 and 16 weeks. The HF pups received
2.3 ug F/g BW/day from birth until 24 days whereafter HF and LF
groups received food containing 37 and 7 mg F/kg respectively
and distilled water. Urinary aMT6s levels were measured by radioimmunoassay.
The HF group excreted significantly less aMT6s than the F group
until the age of sexual maturation. At 11 1/2 weeks, the circadian
profile of aMT6s by the HF males was significantly dimished but,
by 16 weeks, was equivalent to the LF males. In conclusion, F
inhibits pineal MT synthesis in gerbils up until the time of sexual
maturation. Finally, F was associated with
a significant acceleration of pubertal development in female gerbils
using body weights, age of vaginal opening and accelerated development
of the ventral gland. At 16 weeks,
the mean testes weight of HF males was significantly less (p<0.002)
than that of the LF males. The results suggest
that F is associated with low circulating levels of MT and this
leads to an accelerated sexual maturation in female gerbils. The
results strengthen the hypothesis that the pineal has a role in
pubertal development.
Fluoride 1997;
30(1):41-50
Fluoride
toxicity on rat testis and cauda epididymal tissue components
and its reversal
Chinoy
NJ, Shukla S, Walimbe AS, Bhattacharya S
Dr. Chinoy, Professor
and Head, Zoology Department, School of Sciences, Gujarat University,
Ahmedabad, India.
Summary: The toxic effects
were evaluated of sodium fluoride (NaF)
ingestion on the physiology of tissue components of testis and epididymis
of adult, male albino rats, and the possible reversal of the effects
by use of some antidotes. The results revealed
that the testis and cauda epididymal proteins were altered, with
disappearance of some proteins and induction of some new ones.
This remained unaltered during NaF ingestion, but a significant
decrease occurred in phosphatidlyethanolamine, phosphatidylserine
and phosphatidylinositol. Significantly low levels of glutathione
after 30 days of treatment were also obtained. On comparing the
alterations in protein profile, phospholipds an glutathione in both
tissues, it was evident that the protein profile was disturbed more
in testis than in cauda epididymis, whereas phospholipids and gluthathione
levels were affected more in cauda than in testis. The investigations
into reversibility showed that ascorbic acid (vitamin C) and calcium
could ameliorate fluoride toxicity.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov:80/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=8618252&dopt=Abstract
J Toxicol Clin Toxicol
1996;34(2):183-9
Circulating
testosterone levels in skeletal fluorosis
patients.
Susheela AK, Jethanandani P.
Fluoride
and Fluorosis Research Laboratories, All India Institute of Medical
Sciences, New Delhi, India.
OBJECTIVE: The present study focuses on serum testosterone concentrations
in patients with skeletal fluorosis, in order to assess the hormonal
status in fluoride toxicity.
METHODS: Serum testosterones were compared for patients afflicted
with skeletal fluorosis (n = 30) and healthy males consuming water
containing less than 1 ppm fluoride
(Control 1, n = 26) and a second category of controls (Control 2,
n = 16): individuals living in the same house as the patients and
consuming same water as patients but not exhibiting clinical manifestations
of skeletal fluorosis.
RESULTS: Circulating serum testosterones in skeletal fluorosis patients
were significantly lower than those
of Control 1 at p < 0.01. Testosterone concentrations of Control
2 were also lower than those of Control 1 at p < 0.05 but were
higher than those of the patient group.
CONCLUSIONS: Decreased testosterone concentrations in skeletal fluorosis
patients and in males drinking the same water as the patients but
with no clinical manifestations of the disease compared with those
of normal, healthy males living in areas nonendemic for fluorosis
suggest that fluoride toxicity may cause adverse
effects in the reproductive system of males living in fluorosis
endemic areas.
PMID: 8618252 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Fluoride 1995;
28(2):75-86
Amelioration
of fluoride toxicity in some accessory reproductive
glands and spermatozoa of rat
Chinoy
NF, Narayana MV, Dalal V, Rawat M, Patel D
Reproductive Endocrinology
and Toxicology Unit, School of Sciences, Gujarat University, Ahmedabad
380 009, India
Summary: Sodium
fluoride (NaF) at a dose of 10 mg/kg body weight was administered
orally to male rats (Rettus norvegicus) daily for 30 and
50 days to evaluate the effect of the physiology of some sex accessory
glands and sperm functions. The effects of withdrawal upon cessation
of NaF ingestion, and of administering ascorbic acid (AA) and/or
calcium (Ca++) along with NaF, were also investigated. The results
revealed that the NaF treatment caused a significant elevation in
serum fluoride levels with a simultaneous rise in Ca++ levels. This
could be attributed to the formation of a calcium fluoride complex
leading to calcium accumulation. The treatment
resulted in structural and metabolic alterations in sperm, leading
to low sperm motility, a low sperm mitochondrial activity index
(SMAI), reduced viability (live:dead ratio), and changes in sperm
membrane phospholipids (particularly phosphatidylinositol, phosphatidylserine
and phosphatidylethanolamine, which would affect hormone receptor
interaction and their functions). A
significant reduction in electrolyte levels of sperm also occurred
which would also affect their viability. The protein levels in cauda
epididymal sperm suspension, vas deferens, seminal vesicle and prostate
were significantly decreased after NaF administration, which
may be due to altered protein metabolism by interference of fluoride
ions. The changes in epididymal protein profile, with absence of
some proteins and induction of some new ones, were probably a result
o the "stress proteins" in NaF-treated rats affecting
the structural and functional integrity of sperm. Glycogen accumulation
in vas deferens and a decrease in fructose in seminal vesicles and
vas deferens indicated disturbances in carbohydrate metabolism in
these organs. However, withdrawl of treatment resulted in partial
recovery. A significant recovery from NaF-induced toxic effects
occurred following administation of ascorbic acid and/or calcium,
while combined treatment (AA + Ca++) for 70 days manifested a synergistic
effect. The transient fluoride-induced effects were reversible.
The results,
corroborated by earlier data from our laboratory,
show that fluoride has a definite effect on male reproduction and
fertility. Ascorbic acid and calcium are proposed as therapeutic
agents in endemic populations for ameiloration of effects of fluoride.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov:80/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=7734335&dopt=Abstract
Int J Exp Pathol 1995
Feb;76(1):1-11
Effects of
chronic fluoride toxicity on the morphology
of ductus epididymis and the maturation
of spermatozoa of rabbit.
Kumar
A, Susheela AK.
Department of Anatomy, All India Institute of Medical Sciences,
New Delhi.
This study used light and scanning electron microscopy to observe
the effect of chronic fluoride toxicity
on the structure of the ductus epididymis, testis and spermatozoa
in rabbit. The rabbits were treated with 10 mg NaF/kg
body weight/day for 20 and 23 months. Serum fluoride
was estimated by the fluoride ion-specific
electrode method. Fluoride levels in
the sera of both 20 and 23-month treated rabbits were significantly
increased (P < 0.001). Loss of stereocilia, significant
decrease (P < 0.001) in the height of the pseudostratified columnar
epithelium and significant increase
(P < 0.001) in the diameter of both the caput and cauda ductus
epididymis were observed only in the 23-month fluoride
treated rabbits. The decreases in the epithelial cell height (P
< 0.01) and the tubular diameter (P < 0.001) of the testis
were significant only in 23-month treated
animals. Spermatozoa in the lumen of the testis of both treated
groups of animals and in the caput and cauda ductus epididymis of
20-month treated animals appeared normal, but spermatozoa in the
caput and cauda ductus epididymis of 23-month treated animals were
fragmented. In the 23-month fluoride treated
rabbits, the weights of the caput and cauda epididymis were significantly
reduced (P < 0.025) and there was also a reduction in the number
of secretory granules in these organs. The
structural changes observed in the caput and cauda ductus epididymis
might adversely affect the maturation of spermatozoa.
PMID: 7734335 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Fluoride 1995;
28(3):128-130
The influence
of fluoride on the content of testosterone
and cholesterol in rat
Zhao
ZL, Wu NP, Gao WH
Department of Preventive
Medicine, Ningxia Medical College, 750004 China
Summary: Fifty four Wistar
male rats were randomly divided into three groups, drinking water
containing 0.6 mg/L (control group). 100 mg/L, and 200 mg/L sodium
fluoride, respectively. Rats were killed at the second, fourth
and sixth weeks after experiment initiation, respectively. The levels
of serum testosterone, testis cholesterol, and hepatic tissue cholesterol
were determined. Results showed that the serum testosterone level
had decreased with time in rats drinking water containing 100 and
200 mg/L fluoride. While testis cholesterol level did not change,
it was significantly decreased in the liver at the fourth and sixth
week when compared with the control group.
Results suggest that fluoride may have some harmful effects on the
reproductive system in male rats.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov:80/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=8032126&dopt=Abstract
Reprod Toxicol 1994
Mar-Apr;8(2):155-9
In vitro
fluoride toxicity in human spermatozoa.
Chinoy
NJ, Narayana MV.
Department of Zoology, School of Sciences, Gujarat University, Ahmedabad,
India.
Effects of sodium fluoride (NaF)
on washed, ejaculated human spermatozoa at doses of 25, 50, and
250 mM were investigated in vitro at intervals of 5, 10, and 20
min. Sodium fluoride (NaF)
did not affect the extracellular pH of sperm, except that a slight
acidification was caused by the 250 mM dose only. The treatment
caused a significant enhancement in
acid phosphatase (ACPase) and hyaluronidase activities after 5 and
10 min. However, the decrease in the lysosomal enzyme activity after
20 min treatment could have been due to the gradual increase in
fluoride accumulation by spermatozoa
leading to membrane damage. Silver nitrate staining of sperm revealed
elongated heads, deflagellation, and loss of the acrosome together
with coiling of the tail. Sperm glutathione levels also showed a
time-dependent decrease with complete depletion after 20 min indicating
rapid glutathione oxidation in detoxification of the NaF.
The altered lysosomal enzyme activity and
glutathione levels together with morphologic anomalies resulted
in a significant decline in sperm motility with an effective dose
of 250 mM.
PMID: 8032126 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov:80/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=7889087&dopt=Abstract
Int J Fertil Menopausal
Stud 1994 Nov-Dec;39(6):337-46
Reversible
effects of sodium fluoride ingestion
on spermatozoa of the rat.
Narayana
MV, Chinoy NJ.
Reproductive Endocrinology & Toxicology Unit, School of Sciences,
Gujarat University, Ahmedabad, India.
The effects of ingestion of sodium fluoride
(NaF), 10 mg/kg body weight for 50 days, on the structure
and metabolism of sperm of albino rats (Rattus norvegicus), were
investigated. In different groups of rats, the reversible effects
upon withdrawal of NaF treatment and
by administering some therapeutic agents, viz., ascorbic acid and
calcium alone and in combination with NaF
(50 and 70 days), on sperm structure and metabolism were also studied.
The results revealed that the sperm acrosomal hyaluronidase and
acrosin were reduced after 50 days of NaF
treatment. Sperm stained with acidic alcoholic silver nitrate revealed
acrosomal damage and deflagellation, which might be causative factors
for the reduced activity of the enzymes. These alterations also
resulted in a decline in sperm motility. The cauda epididymal sperm
count was decreased, perhaps because of spermatogenic arrest. Thus,
the low sperm motility and count ultimately contributed toward reduction
in fertility by NaF treatment. However,
withdrawal of NaF treatment for 70
days produced incomplete recovery, while administration of ascorbic
acid and calcium, individually and in combination, brought about
significant recovery of fluoride-induced
effects. Thus, the effects of fluoride
on sperm structure and metabolism of rats are transient and reversible.
PMID: 7889087 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Fluoride 1994;
27(1):7-12
Effect of
fluoride on rat testicular steroidogenesis
MV Narayana
and NJ Chinoy
Zoology Department, School
of Sciences, Gujarat University, Ahmedabad 380 009, Gujarat, India
Summary: In view of reports
of infertility among human populations in fluorosis prevailing regions,
we investigated the effect of fluoride ingestion on testicular steroidogenesis
in rats. Sodium fluoride (NaF) was
administered to the rats orally at a daily dose of 10
mg/kg bodyweight for 50 days. The treatment did not cause
significant change in testicular cholesterol levels, indicating
that metabolism was not altered and that there was no hypo/hypercholesterolemic
effect. In addition, activities of the intermediary enzymes in adrongenesis,
viz, 3B- and 17B-hydroxysteriod dehydrogenase were only modestly
decreased by NaF ingestion. Subsequently, the determination of circulating
androgen levels was similar in NaF-treated rats showed a downward
trend compared to those of the control group, suggesting alteration
in testosterone concentratio. The histomorphometric
studies revealed significant change in the Leydig cell diameter
in correlation with the androgen levels. These results indicate
that fluoride does interfere with steroidogenesis in short-term
low-dose exposures in rats.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov:80/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=7920753&dopt=Abstract
Int J Fertil Menopausal
Stud 1994 May-Jun;39(3):164-71
Ultrastructural
studies of spermiogenesis in rabbit
exposed to chronic fluoride toxicity.
Kumar
A, Susheela AK.
Department of Anatomy, All India Institute of Medical Sciences,
New Delhi, India.
OBJECTIVE--To address the role of fluoride
in causing defects to spermatids and epididymal spermatozoa.
METHODS--Male rabbits were treated with 10 mg NaF/kg
body weight daily for 18 months and maintained under identical laboratory
conditions along with the control rabbits not given NaF.
Testis and epididymis (caput) were investigated for ultrastructural
details of spermatids and spermatozoa.
RESULTS--A wide variety of structural defects were observed in the
flagellum, the acrosome, and the nucleus of the spermatids and epididymal
spermatozoa of fluoride-treated rabbits.
Abnormalities included absence of outer microtubules, complete absence
of axonemes, structural and numeric aberrations of outer dense fibers,
breakdown of the fibrous sheath, and structural defects in the mitochondria
of the middle piece of the flagellum. Detachment and peeling off
of the acrosome from the flat surfaces of the nucleus were also
observed.
CONCLUSION--The abnormalities observed render
the sperm nonfunctional and ineffective, and thus there is a possible
role of fluoride in causing infertility.
PMID: 7920753 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Fluoride 1994;
27(2):67-75
Beneficial
effects of ascorbic acid and calcium on reproductive
functions of sodium fluoride-treated prepubertal male rats
Chinoy
NJ, Reddy VVPC, Michael M
Department of Zoology,
School of Sciences, Gujarat University, Ahmedabad 388 009, India
Summary: The therapeutic
effects of ascorbic acid and calcium (Ca2+) supplementation on reproductive
functions of fluoride-treated (10 mg/kg body weight) male rats were
investigated. Sodium fluoride treatement resulted in a decrease
in almost all parameters studied except concentration of testicular
cholesterol, which implies that androgen synthesis might not be
affected by NaF treatment. Succinate dehydrogenase activity decreased
in testis suggesting that its oxidative metabolism was altered by
NaF treatment. Adenosine triposphatase activity, protein, and sialic
acid levels in caput and cauda epididymides also showed a decrease.
All these changes resulted in a significant decrease in sperm motility
and thereby fertility rate. Glycogen concentrations in vas
deferens were altered, probably due to impaired metabolic turnover.
The fructose levels in vas deferens and seminal
vesicle as well as the acid phosphatase activity in ventral prostate
were also decreased significantly by NaF treatment.
On the other hand, simultaneous
treatment of NaF along with ascorbic acid or calcium resulted in
recovery in all the affected parameters studied. The recovery was
more significant after treatment with ascorbic acid than with calcium.
Therefore, ascorbic acid and calcium may be
useful for amelioration of fluoride toxicity in endemic areas.
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