1974 - 1975 Fluoride Abstracts. Fluoride Action Network Pesticide Project.

Brain tissue and fluoracitrate synthesis.

Peters RA, Shorthouse M.

PMID: 1137605 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Summary: No significant alteration of functionof the thyroid gland was observed in cases of fluorosis. Definite changes in the parathyroid status have been noted in a few patients. The mechanism is not precisely understood but it is related to the initial osteomalacia-like picture produced by fluoride ions in combination with calcium deficiencies. These changes constitute a compensatory homeostatic mechanism. These preliminary observations call for further elaboration.

Human free ionized plasma fluoride concentrations during pregnancy, toxemia, and lactation

Summary: Inorganic fluoride concentrations of plasma were measured by an electrometric method in women with normal pregnancy, with toxemia, and during lactation.

Women with normal pregnancy showed a significant negative correlation between the week of pregnancy and the concentration of plasma ionized fluoride (p<0.001). During lactation the correlation coefficient was positive; this correlation was also statistically significant (p<0.001). The mean inorganic plasma fluoride concentration during mild toxemia was almost significantllly higher than during normal pregnancy (p<0.05).

As an indirect conclusion it can be stated that more fluoride is available to the fetus through the placenta than through maternal milk, because during pregnancy the plasma fluoride concentration of the mother decreases whereas it returns to normal level during lactation.

Name of Agent (CAS RN):
9ALPHA-FLUORO-11BETA-HYDROXY-4-ANDROSTENE-3,17-DIONE (357-09-5) 9ALPHA-FLUORO-17ALPHA-METHYL-11BETA,17-DIHYDROXY-4-ANDROSTEN-3-ONE (76-43-7)
9ALPHA-FLUORO-17ALPHA-METHYL-17-HYDROXY-4-ANDROSTENE-3,11-DIONE 11BETA-HYDROXY-4-ANDROSTEN-3,17-DIONE (382-44-5)
17ALPHA-METHYL-11BETA,17-DIHYDROXY-4-ANDROSTEN-3-ONE (1043-10-3 )
17BETA-HYDROXY-17-METHYL-4-ANDROSTENE-3,11-DIONE (5419-48-7 )
9ALPHA-FLUORO-11BETA,17-DIHYDROXY-17-METHYL-5BETA-ANDROSTAN-3-ONE (53649-13-1)
9ALPHA-FLUORO-17ALPHA-METHYL-17-HYDROXY-5BETA-ANDROSTANE-3,11-DIONE (1584-44-7)
9ALPHA-FLUORO-17ALPHA-METHYL-5BETA-ANDROSTANE-3ALPHA,11BETA,17-TRIOL (53649-14-2)
ESTRONE (53-16-7 )
PROGESTERONE (57-83-0 )
GONADOTROPIN,PROLACTIN (9002-62-4 )

Histochemical studies on the effect of sodium fluoride on metabolism in Purkinje's cells.

Sodium fluoride-induced changes in the hypothalamic neurosecretory system of the spotted owlet, Athene brama Temminck.

Administration of 10 or 20 mg of sodium fluoride (NaF) induced depletion of neurosecretory material (NSM) from the neurons of the supraoptic (SON) and paraventricular (PVN) nuclei in spotted owlet (Athene brama Temminck). The residual NSM in the perikarya was aranged in caplike paranuclear positions. The NSM in the hypothalamo-hypophysial tract, the zona externa of the anterior median eminence (ME) and in the neural lobe (NL) showed only a partial lossmthe effects of NaF administration on the HNS of the spotted owlet are similar to those induced by such stimulators of ADH secretion as hypertonic saline, morphine and formalin. Hence the histological changes induced by NaF administration in the HNS of the spotted owlet are presumably indicative of increased neurosecretory activity resulting in the augmented secretion of ADH. It is suggested that NaF, like other stressful agents, is a stimulator of ADH secretion.

Regulation of pyruvate carboxylase in rat brain mitochondria: effect of fluoropyruvate.

Fluorinated quinazolones: effect of some fluorinated 2-alkyl-3-aryl-4(3H)-quinazolones & thioquinazolones on pyruvic acid oxidation in rat brain homogenates.

Differentiation of fluorides-stimulated and non-fluoride-stimulated components of beef brain cortex adenylate cyclase by calcium ions, ethyleneglycol-bis-(beta-aminoethyl ether) N,N'-tetraacetic acid and Triton X-100.

Beef brain cortex adenylate cyclase (ATP pyrophosphate-lyase (cyclizing) EC 4.6.1.1) activity is 84--88% inhibited by 5 - 10(-5) M ethyleneglycol-bis-(beta-aminoethyl ether)N,N'-tetraacetic acid in the absence of F- but only 50--60% inhibited by 5 - 10(-5) M ethyleneglycol-bis-(beta-aminoethyl ether)N,N'-tetraacetic acid in the presence of F-. In either case, further increase in EGTA concentration did not alter the degree of inhibition. The inhibition can be completely reversed in both cases by addition of 3 - 10(-5) M Ca2+, (yielding a [free Ca2+] of approximately 2 - 10(-6) M) and 5 - 10(-5) M Mn2+ or Co2+ and partially by 5 - 10(-5) M Sr2+ but not by addition of 5 - 10(-5) M Ba2+, Zn2+, Ni2+ or Fe2+. A [free Ca2+] of 7.2 - 10(-5) M markedly inhibited cyclase activity in the presence of F-. Solubilization by 1.8% Triton X-100 resulted in an enzyme preparation no longer stimulated by NaF and 100% inhibited by the addition of 5 - 10(-5) M ethyleneglycol-bis-(beta-aminoethyl ether)N,N'-tetraacetic acid either in the absence or presence of NaF. However, in contrast to ethyleneglycol-bis-(beta-aminoethyl ether)N,N'-TETRAACETIC ACID, EDTA had no measurable effect on adenylate cyclase either in the presence or absence of NaF and ethyleneglycol-bis-(beta-aminoethyl ether)N,N'-tetraacetic acid did not affect ATPase or phosphodiesterase activities. The data is rationalized by the postulation of two independent enzyme components in brain cortex: one component is about six-fold activated by NaF and the NaF effect is enhanced by low concentrations of Ca2+ and Mg2+. A second component is totally Ca2+ dependent and inhibited by high concentrations of F-. Mn2+, Co2+ and Sr2+ appear to be in vitro Ca2+ substitutes for both enzyme systems. On this basis, Triton X-100 treatment results in about a three-fold increase in specific activity of the Ca2+ dependent cyclase component but a complete abolition of the NaF stimulated component.

Effect of single and long-term sodium fluoride administration on biosynthesis of the thyroid hormone in rats

Institute of Applied Physiology of Animals, Academy of Agriculture, Krakow, Poland

Summary: In rats given fluoride in daily doses of 2 mg continuously for 65 days no weight gain of the thyroid gland was found but a decrease in the 2-hr uptake of 131 I and in the relative amount of DIT in the thryoid gland was noted. Following a single administration of 2 mg of fluoride by stomach tube, uptake of radioiodine and of DIT decreased but the inorganic iodide and MIT in the thyroid gland increased. The ratio MIT/DIT also increased. The observed changes indicate that long-term fluoride administration to rats depressed the initial uptake of radioiodine exclusively, without reducing the rate of synthesis of the thyroid hormone whereas a single administration of the same dose decreased both the uptake of radioiodine and the rate of the hormone synthesis.

Toxicity and action of fluenethyl acaricide and related compounds in the mouse, housefly and twospotted spider mite.

Conidiation of Neurospora crassa induced by treatment with natrium fluoride in submerged culture.

A transient treatment of pregerminated conidia of Neurospora crassa with NaF induced young, submerged cultures to prematurely differentiate conidia. The inductive treatment decreased the rate of respiration (with lower RQ), reduced the relative concentration of nucleoside triphosphates, and inhibited leucine incorporation into protein and adenosine incorporation into RNA.

The origin of chromosome aberrations in mature sperm of Drosophila: influence of sodium fluoride on treatments with trenimon and 1-phenyl-3,3-dimethyltriazene.

Placental transfer of fluoride during methoxyflurane anaesthesia for cesarean section.

[The morphology of the guinea pig placenta after poisoning with monoiodineacetate and fluoride (author's transl)]

[Carbohydrate turn over, energy deficit and the formation of plasma polyps within the placenta after poisoning with monoiodineacetate and sodium fluoride (author's transl)]

Summary: This is a review of findings on workers in an aluminum plant with industrial fluorosis. Early signs of the disease are nocturnal back pains and restriction of the rotation of the trunk. Stage I of the disease usually occurs after 10 years, stage II after 15 years and stage III after 20 years. The diagnosis was established at an early stage through biopsies of the iliac crest by histological and microanalytical determinations of fluoride. A fluoride level exceeding 4000 ppm in the iliac crest ash was found to be associated with typical signs of fluorosis. The early histological changes including the microadiographic findings and typical foci of calcification in the corticalis are demonstrated.

Three necropsies in patients with fluorosis at different stages are reviewed. One of them showed a lesion in the cells of the anterior horn of the spinal cord which was believed to be related to fluorine. Cristallographic studies revealed that crystals of fluorotic bone mineral had become more slender. Increase in gastric acidity was associatd with greater sensitivity toward fluoride. Prophylaxis and treatment of industrial fluorosis are discussed.

Fluoride distribution in different segments of the femur, metacarpus and mandible of mule deer

Summary: The distribution of fluoride within the femur, metacarpus, and mandible of wild deer from contaminated, and control ecosystems was determined. Absolute fluoride concentrations were found to be highest in the cancellous portions of the bones and in sections with the largest surface area to weight ratio. The relationship of the relative fluoride levels within the various bones was in agreement with the published literature and showed no significant variation between normal and contaminated mule deer.

Summary: In current publications and textbooks most data regarding the fluoride content of common foods as well as tables showing the average daily intake of fluoride in various countries, are based upon work carried out up to thirty-seven years ago. Such work does not allow for the effect of fluoridated drinking water on fluoride levels of processed and cooked foods. Moreover, the accuracy of data due to early testing methods may be questioned. Work done internationally may raise questions regarding identification of foods and relevance to urban type diets. In one table, for example, the fluoride content of cereal is given as <.10 - 20 ppm fluoride based on a range of data compiled from eight sources namely, four from U.S.S.R., three from Germany, and one from Japan. One must question what is meant by "cereal" in this listing and how to relate it to processed products. Data in tables published in the 1970's, citing average fluroide ingestion, were found to be based upon a small sampling. Some figures presented were found to include misquoted data. It must therefore be concluded that data on fluoride content of foods should be updated.

Summary: A survey questionnaire which was sent to authorities in the fields of dentistry, nutrition and medicine in order to establish a criterion for safe daily maximum intake of fluoride yielded no consensus. Many respondents to the questionnaire expressed their answers in relative terms considering fluoride intake in parts per million of fluoride ingested. For any discussion of this subject it is desirable to employ absolute terms i.e. milligrams of fluoride ingested. If a criterion of mg/kg body weight is used as a basis for recommending daily fluoride intake levels, it is essential to know the level of fluoride in current diets, and in foods and beverages. Little data is available in this regard.

Department of Biochemistry (Medical School) University of Minnesota, Minneapolis

Department of Medicine, montreal General Hospital, Quebec, Canada
University of Rochester, School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York

Excerpt: ... In summary, 4 out of 7 nephritic patients using fluoridated water for hemodialysis developed fluoride osteomalacia which did not occur in the 34 patients residing in unfluoridated communities. Osteitis fibrosa was reversible in ten of twelve cases by dihydroachysterol treatment. The authors concluded that the presence of fluoride in the dialysate is associated with an increased incidence of osteomalacia and that, in the absence of fluoride, bone disease is largely controllable.

Fluoride levels in indigenous animals and plants collected from uncontamined ecosystems

Acute sodium fluorosilicate poisoning in domestic animals with special reference to sheep

Summary: An account is given of 27 field cases of sodium fluorosilicate poisoning in domestic animals. Detailed clinical, chemical, biochemical and pathological findings are given in acute experimental fluorosilllicate poisoning in sheep. Mild symptons occurred following a dose of 25 to 50 mg/kg and the sheep recovered 3 to 5 days later. From 200 mg/kg more severe symptons were produced leading to death of the sheep on the sixth day of poisoning. 1.5 and 2.0 g/kg fluorosilicate proved to be fatal 3 and 2 1/2 hours respectively after the sheep were given the poison. Marked hypocalcemia, hypomagnesemia, and increased blood sugar, as well as elevation of blood phosphorus and various serum enzymes (GOT, LDH, ICDH) were the most significant findings in fatal poisonings. Fluoride values in blood serum and urine were determined at various stages of poisoning.

Division of Developmental Denistry, College of Dentistry, University of Oklahoma, Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City

The relationship of fluoride to bone strength and related biochemical properties

Department of Nutrition and Orthopedic Surgery, The University of California, Davis

Summary: The effects of dietary fluoride and its relationship to mechanical properties and biochemical changes in bone have been studied in quail, chickens and rats. If dietary calcium is restricted, fluoride administered in high amounts through either the food or water supply promotes a decrease in bone-breaking strength. Femurs from rats fed a low-calcium diet with 100 ppm fluoride in the water supply (0.1%Ca) fractured at torque values 70% to 75% compared to those for rats fed the low-calcium diet with no added fluoride. The femurs from young chicks fed diets containing adequate calcium and fluoide up to 200 ppm did not fracture at lower values of applied torque compared to controls. However, fluoride administration accompanied by calcium restriction in diets fed to adult roosters resulted in an impairment of physical properties, i.e., 40% reduction in strength. The addition of fluoride to the diets of Japanese quail also resulted in reduced bone strength. The data and the majority of the papers cited indicate that excessive fluoride intakes may be deleterious to bone, particularly when dietary calcium intakes are reduced. Bone pyrophosphatase and cyclic AMP failed to show any dramatic changes with different dietary fluoride levels. Whereas mortality in groups of quail fed low calcium diets without fluoride from the time they are 1 day old approaches 100% by 3 weeks, when fluoride (750 ppm) is added mortality is markedly decreased and growth rates approacg those of quail fed a control diet.

Industrial fluorosis in wild mule and whitetail deer from western Montana (1)

(2) Research Associates, Environmental Studies Laboratory, Univ. of Montana, Missoula
(3) Director of Environmental Studies Program, Univ. of Montana, Missoula

Summary: A two-year study of bone tissue of whitetail and mule deer in two areas of western Montana revealed that these animals can be used as parameters of fluoride contamination in a given ecosystem. Fluoride in vegetation was markedly higher in the two areas as compared to controls. Because individual deer do not live in precisely the same location every year, the exact consumption of fluoride could not be determined but bone fluoroassays from deer inhabiting the two contaminatred areas showed a 5 to 50 fold increase in fluoride concentration as compared to controls. In any particular deer, the level of fluoride was highest in the mandible followed by femur and ribs with the lowest concentration in metacarpals or metatarsals. Cancellous, metabolically active bones accumulated more fluoride than dense compact bone.

Inorganic plasma fluoride concentrations and its renal excretion in certain physiological and pathological conditions in man

Summary: In a study involving 2200 patients the inorganic plasma fluoride concentration (IPFC) increased with increasing age. In a fluoridated (1 ppm) community this increase was more pronounced than in a low fluoride (0.2 ppm) community. The mean renal clearance of fluoride and the daily amounts excreted also inceased slightly until age fifty, after which a slow decrease was observed. During pregnancy, IPFC decreased significantly until delivery in both fluoridated and non-fluoidated areas. The daily fluoride excretion was also lower during pregnancy than in controls. Patients with renal insufficiency had a mean IPFC of 3.0 + 0.45 umol/1 in the fluoridated and 2.0 + 0.14 in the low fluoride community. Their daily fluoride excretion was less than half of that of the control groups. Regularly hemodialllyzed patients showed the highest IPFC. In a 6 year-old boy with diabetes insipidus, the IPFC was four times as high as in the corresponding controls. In diabetes melitus with renal complications, the IPFC was also elevated. Increased water consumption did not cause greater retention of fluoride. In cardiac insufficiency, with normal serum creatinine the IPFC was only slightly elevated.

Effect of sodium fluoride on the phosphate absorption by potato tuber tissue - influence of calcium

An evaluation of the potential for ecological damage by chronic low-level environmental pollution by fluoride

Division of Humanities and Social Sciences, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, California. Current address: Environmental Studies Board, National Research Council, Washington DC

Summary: The literature dealing with the effects of chronic environmental contamination by fluoride in wildlife plant and animal species has been reviewed, in order to assess the potential for significant impact of fluoride pollution upon natural ecosystems. Research data are far from complete, and many important questions cannot be answered yet; nevertheless, current knowledge supports the tentative conclusion that fluoride has great potential for ecological harm. It is clear that a wide range of organisms can accumulate substantial concentrations of fluoride from the air, water, or soil. Some evidence of toxicity, even at very low environmetal levels, is available. These and other characteristics of fluoride pollution should alert biologists to look for likely effects of fluoride stress on natural populations and ecosysems in areas subjected to low-level fluoride pollution.

Excerpt from Conclusions: The most obvious conclusion about current knowlede of the potential effects of fluoride at low levels of contamination of natural ecosystems is that what we know is dwarfed by what we need to know. However, it is clear that fluoride fits most of the criteria for potentially important pollutants set down by the National Research Council, i.e.:

(3) Fluoride is accumulated by a great many organisms; it is nearly certain that the contaminant is building up in wildlife food chains.

(4) Fluoride is an element of high biological activity, with well-established toxic effect on a great many organisms; and levels of exposure which may occur in the environment appear to be capable of causing some adverse impact in at least some of the relatively small number of wildlife species which have been tested.

(5) Information on potential effects on populations in the field, and on ecological balances, is virtually non-existent to date.

(6) It is possible that fluoride may be transformed by some organisms in the natural environment into far more toxic organic fluorides. If this transformation occurs to any significant degree, it could be an effect of profound ecological importance.

Effect of cooking vessel composition on fluoride.

Full CA, Parkins FM.

PMID: 1053767 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Effect of anaerobiosis, dinitrophenol and fluoride on the active intestinal transport of galactose in snail.

Barber A, Jordana R, Ponz F.

The active transport of galactose across the intestinal wall (everted sacs) of the snail Cryptomphalus hortensis Muller has been studied in vitro, under several metabolic conditions. Anaerobiosis does not change the serosal/mucosal galactose gradients which are developed in oxygen atmosphere. Dinitrophenol (10(-4) M) greatly increased the O2 uptake by the tissue and clearly inhibits the sugar transport. At 5 times 10(-4) M concentration, DNP totally prevents the uphill transport while the O2 uptake is normal. The inhibition produced by DNP does not increase by anaerobiosis. Fluoride inhibits the galactose transport and also the O2 uptake. It is deduced that in snail intestine the energy for the active transport of galactose can be supplied by aerobic as much as by anaerobic metabolism. The inhibition by dinitrophenol seems to be independent of its uncoupling action on the oxidative phosphorylation. The inhibitory effect of NaF may be due both to glycolisis inhibition and to alteration of the digestive epithelium.

PMID: 1162167 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Sodium fluoroacetate poisoning.

Reigart JR, Brueggeman JL, Keil JE.

We observed a case of poisoning with sodium fluoroacetate, and extremely lethal rodenticide that has had relatively strict controls placed on its use. The case was unusual in the very long time the rodenticide had been present in the home, the mild nature of the poisoning, and the remarkably delayed onset of serious central nervous system symptoms. It demonstrates the need for even stronger controls on the use of sodium fluoroacetate.

PMID: 1190148 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Letter: "Hepatitis after use of two different fluorinated anesthetic agents".

PMID: 1167748 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Activity of human adenylate cyclase from human fat cell membranes.

Poupon R.

Purified adipocytes plasma membranes have been prepared from human adipose tissue. The presence of an adenylate cyclase sensitive to epinephrine and fluoride has been demonstrated. Activation of the adenylate cyclase was usually 2 to 4 fold in the presence of epinephrine 5.10-5M and 8 to 10 fold in the presence of fluoride 10 mM. The adenylate cyclase from human adipose tissue was insensitive to glucagon and ACTH; these results are in support of previous studies of lipolysis in isolated fact cells or tissue fragments from human adipose tissue.

PMID: 177115 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

[Changes in mechano-chemical properties, ATPase activity and structure of rat liver mitochondria under the effect of sodium fluoride]

[Article in Russian]

Miroshnichenko EN, Zhilskaya ZY.

With elongation of periods of per oral administration of sodium fluoride into rats, in spite of the dose decrease, the activity of mitochondrial Mg2+-stimulated ATPase was increased. The capacity of the liver tissue mitochondria to swelling, contraction and to secondary swelling was altered. In acute and chronic experiments the distinct impairments in the ultrastructure of mitochondria of liver tissue cells were observed by means of electron microscopy; this demonstrated the possible correlation between structure and function of the organelles.

PMID: 129957 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Frustration and adenylate cyclase.

Maguire ME, Sturgill TW, Gilman AG.

PMID: 1128226 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

On the mechanism of activation of fat cell adenylate cyclase by guanine nucleotides. An explanation for the biphasic inhibitory and stimulatory effects of the nucleotides and the role of hormones.

Rodbell M.

Adenylate cyclase activity in purified plasma membranes from rat fat cells displays transient kinetic characteristics in the absence and presence of guanyl=5'=yl imidodiphosphate (Gpp(NH)p). Gpp(NH)p causes immediate inhibition of enzyme activity; the inhibitory phase is followed by a slow increase in activity which, depending on incubation temperature, exceeds activity stimulated in the presence of hormones (glucagon, secretin, epinephrine, or adrenocorticotropin). Basal activity displays an initial high rate of activity which decays to a low state of activity within 2 min of incubation. Hormones do not alter the initial rate but prevent the decay in enzyme activity. The inhibitory phase of Gpp(NH)p action and the previously reported (Harwood, J.P., Low, H., and Rodbell, M. (1973) J. Biol. Chem. 248, 6239-6245) inhibitory effects of GTP are abolished by increasing (Mg2+) and pH to 50 mM and 8.5, respectively. Under these conditions, Gpp(NH)p and GTP cause marked stimulation of activity, the stimulatory effect of Gpp(NH)p being greater than that of GTP both in the absence and presence of hormones...

PMID: 238988 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Multiple inhibitory and activating effects of nucleotides and magnesium on adrenal adenylate cyclase.

Londos C, Rodbell M.

Adenylate cyclase in particulate fractions from rat adrenal glands is subject to regulation by purine nucleotides, particularly guanine nucleotides. While GTP activates the enzyme, this effect is not evident in all particulate fractions. Following dialysis of the refractory fractions activation by GTP is observed, an indication that endogenous nucleotides may obscure the effects of added GTP. The analog, guanyl-5'-yl imidodiphosphate (Gpp(NH)p gives considerable more activity than does GTP. GDP, on the other hand, is inhibitory, an effect revealed only in the absence of a nucleotide-regenerating solution. GDP blocks the action of both GTP and Gpp(NH)p. These results show that the gamma-phosphate of the nucleotide is required for but need not be metabolized in the activation process. At low substrate concentration (0.1 mM ATP or adenyl-5'-yl imidodiphosphate) stimulation of the enzyme by ACTH occurs only in the presence of added guanine nucleotide (GTP or Gpp(NH)p); the hormone and nucleotide act synergistically. While both GTP and Gpp(NH)p inhibit fluoride-stimulated activity, the level of fluoride required to demonstrate such inhibition appears not to be related to the level of fluoride required for activation of the enzyme. In the presence of GTP, or GTP plus ACTH, the enzyme exhibits normal Michaelis-Menten kinetics with respect to substrate utilization (K-m equal to 0.16 mM). In the activated state, produced with ACTH plus GTP, the enzyme is less susceptible to inhibition by a species of ATP uncomplexed with Mg2+, but is more susceptible to inhibition by Mg2+. These results demonstrate that fundamental differences exist between different states of the adenylate cyclase. The difficulties in describing kinetically the regulation of adenylate cyclase systems in view of the multiple actions of nucleotides and magnesium are discussed.

PMID: 164469 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

An inquiry into the distribution of fluoride in the environment of Garrison, Montana

E Kay

Department of Environmental Studies, University of Montana, Missoula, Montana

Summary: In the fall of 1971 and 1972, the extent and severity of fluoride contamination in the vicinity of Garrison, Montana, was determined. Assays of the fluoride ontent of indigenous flora and fauna were utilized to establish the effectiveness of the air pollution control equipment of a fluoride emitting industrial facility. Vegetation samples including forage, shrubs, coniferous and deciduous tree species as well as various species of small mammals in a directional pattern throughout the study area were analyzed for fluoride and compared with control samples collected throughout western Montana.

Analysis by individual species allowed comparison of the ratio of fluoride accumulation between species. Fluoride levels in vegetation and small mammals were also correllaed. Furthermore isopol maps of fluoride concentrations in vegetation were constructed.

Wide differences in fluoride accumulation between different species were observed. Fluoride concentration in different species were compared and presented graphically.

Fluoride 1974; 7(1):31-35

Translocation of fluoride in woody plants*

T Keller

Swiss Forest Research Institute, Birmensdorf, Switzerland

Summary: Foliage of different species of forest trees was analyzed for its fluoride content. The foliage of plants which had been exposed to fluoride exhalates of an aluminum smelter for one to many years was analyzed after it had been allowed to flush and develop in pure air. All samples of the foliage of trees near the factory revealed increased fluoride content in dry matter as compared to controls. The level of fluoride in first leaves formed in Spring was higher than that in foliage formed later in the year, a fact indicative of depletion of reserves. New foliage of deciduous trees which had been exposed to fluoride fumes in winter exclusively also contained increased amounts of fluoride, a fact which indicates mobilization of fluoride entering the tree via the bark. These data prove that fluoride is being translocated in woody plants.

Fluoride 1974; 7(1):36-47

Urinary hydroxyproline, citrate, creatinine and fluoride after ingestion of low doses of fluorine in human subjects

RL Spiers

London Hospital Medical College, England

Fluoride 1974; 7(3):118-122

Editorial

The pre-skeletal phase of chronic fluoride intoxication

Fluoride 1974; 7(3):123-135

Fluoride and the environment

CG Dobbs

School of Plant Biology, University College of North Wales, Bangor, Caerns, UK

Fluoride 1974; 7(3):135-142

Differential diagnosis of fluoride poisoning in cattle

HD Grunder

Klinik fur Rinderkrankheiten der Tierarztlichen Hochschule, Hannover, Germany

Summary: For the clinical recognition and differentiation of fluoride poisoning in cattle, it is necessary to consider the pathogenetic differences in the mechanism of intoxication, particularly between the fluoride compounds which are not metabolically degraded, the hydrogen fluoride ions and the fluorine iooon. The differences in the pathogenesis and symptomatology of fluoroacetic poisoning and of acute and chronic fluoride intoxicationin cattle are outlined.

Fluoride 1974; 7(4):177-181

Evidence of muscle fiber degeneration in rabbits treated with sodium fluoride

RD Kaul and AK Sushella

Department of Anatomy, All-India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi

Summary: The levels of phosphocreatine kinase (CPK) in the sera of rabbits treated with sodium fluoride were biochemically determined. The results indicate an enhanced level of serum CPK. Such an increase of CPK in the serum constitutes an index of degenertion of muscle fibers and of the highly permeable plasma membrane. The findings from the current investigation indicates that degeneration of muscle fibers results from fluoride toxicity.

Fluoride 1974; 7(4):181-199

Fluoride distribution in the Silverbow, Montana, area

C van Hook

Summary: This study describes the distribution of fluoride in a 16,000 acre contaminated area surrounding a chemical phosphate facility in Silverbown, Montana. The bioloical monitoring for fluoride was performed through field collection and laboratory analysis of indigenous vegetation of the area. The fluoroapatite ore reduction process in operation at the plant emits fluoroapatite dust and hydrogen fluoride causing the accumulation of amounts exceeding the Montana state maximum for fluoirde in forage. The biological monitoring method is presented as a model for rapid determination of the relation between fluoride air pollution and its potential hazard to grazing livetock and wildlife.

Fluoride 1974; 7(4):200-208

Circulating plasma immunreactive parathyroid hormone levels (IPTH) in endemic skeletal fluorosis with secondary hyperparathyroidism

Teotia SPS*, Teotia M*, Burns RR**, Heels S**

* Department of Human Metabolism, L.L.R.M. Medical College, Meerut University, Meerut, India
** University College Hospital Medical School, London, England

Summary: Studies on 5 patients with gross symptoms and signs of fluorosis provided evidence that hyperactivity of the parathyroid glands is a frequent consequence of skeletal fluorosis. The plasma IPT levels were elevated in all cases and one patient exhibited an adenoma and hyperplasia of the parathyroid glands at surgery.

The hyperactivity of the parathyroid glands in skeletal fluorosis in the presence of decreased solubility of the bone mineral (fluoroapatite) strongly suggests that it is a compensatory attempt to maintain a normal extracellular ionized calcium equilibrium. The possible mechanism responsible for hyperfunction of the parathyroid glands is discussed.

Fluoride 1974; 7(4):220-222

Fluoride in the environment

GL Waldbott and W Oelschlager*

* Veterinary University, Stuttgart-Hohenheim, Germany

Summary: Data on the fluoride content of a variety of environmental agents are presented. Included are tobacco, detergents and other cleaning materials, certain kinds of dusts (wood, steel, fiberglass, asbestos), pollen grains and fertilizers. These agents vary widely in their fluoride content. The possible bearing of these findings on total fluoride intake in humans is discussed.

Excerpt:

The authors assayed the fluoride concentrations of the human iliac crest (dried bone) of 100 cadavers of both sexes using the ion sensitive electrode. A linear relationship between fluoride content and age was statistically positive. The values ranged from a low of 69 ppm in a girl aged 3 1/2 years who died of meningitis to 1740 ppm in a 85 year old male who succumbed to pulmonary embolism. In contrast to other authors, Shellman et al. found no leveling off of fluoride concentrations after age 50.

There is evidence that fluoride levels in plasma correlate with the fluoride content in bones. The authors determined whether or not fluoride in plasma and bones might correlate with age.

In 41 patients at the University Hospital, Iowa City, 36 of whom had been residing in fluoridated communities plasma fluoride was determined in the fasting stage by the fluoride ion selective electrode. For bone fluoride, the iliac crests of 20 autopsied cases were examined 19 of whom had been residing in fluoridated communities; the length of their residence was not known. The results were expressed as ppm of fluoride per wet weight of bone.

In plasma, fluoride readings ranged from 0.019 to 0.112 ppm with a mean of 0.047 ppm; the ages of the individuals studied were 17 to 82 with a mean of 52 years. Between the two factors a positive linear correlation of 0.53 was obtained with coefficient of determination amounting to 28%.

In the iliac crest, the fluoride values ranged from 1295 ppm to 5745 ppm with a mean ppm for ages 21 to 77 years (mean of 50). A positive linear correlation of 0.67 was obtained between fluoride concentration and age and the coefficient of determination was 45%. Thus this study demonstrates a significant correlation between bone fluoride and plasma fluoride levels with age.

Table 1 Fluoride Content of Various Items in ppm
Building Materials		Fertilizers
Asbestos samples		Schwefelsaures Ammoniak	0.003
A	579	Stallmist (French manure)	0.003
B	239	Kalkammonsalpeter	0.01
C	225	Kainit	0.01-0.02
D	70	Thomasphosphat	0.01-0.14
E	122	Kalidungesalz 40%	0.02-0.03
Dust in a tool factory	361.7	Branntkalk	0.05-0.19
Dust within 10 meters of a construction site of a new home	13.1	Mergel	0.06-0.27
Dust outside a fiberglass factory	40.4	Dolomitkalk	0.22
Fiberglass	1250, 1258	Kalkstickstoff	0.58
Fly ash	2412	Huttenkalk	3.9-10.2
		Superphosphat	14.6-25.7
Cleaning Fluids		Rhenaniaphosphat	15.0-27.7
Oxydol	0.4	Hyperphos	31.0-36.4
Ajax soap	0.8	Rohphosphate	33.4-41.1
Soil cleaner	1.2
Blue Cheer	1.8	Miscellaneous
Snowy dry bleach	2.1	Pollen
Ajax cleanser	7.0	June Grass	2.4
Washing Powder (German)		Timothy	3.03
Ariel	1.1	Short ragweed	3.62
Fewa	9.8	Wood
Omo	19.0	Walnut	1.1
Fakt	63.4	Linden	1.4
Spulmittel Dixi	0.8	Cedar	2.3
		Pine	2.9
Tobacco		Ash	3.3
Cigarette - Ernte (Germany)	17.0	Sycamore	3.5
Erntekrone Zigareem (Germany)	19.2	Willow	3.6
Grossglockner (Austria)	21.7	Mahogany	4.7
Falk cigarette (Austria)	22.1	Oak	5.0
HB cigarette (Germany)	24.2	Elm	12.6
Roth Handle (Germany)	26.8	Salt
Cigarettes (U.S. brands)	25	From Detroit streets	.42
		Morton salt	.42