Toxic Effects Of Fluoride In Rats Exposed To Different Fluoride Sources.

Abstract

Toxicological information on fluoride is obtained mainly from studies conducted in laboratory animals and rat is the species used most frequently. The objectives of this study were to identify some of the toxic effects which may occur in rats exposed to graded doses of fluoride in form of sodium fluoride and also from some of the commercial cattle salts known to contain high fluoride levels in Kenya. A total of 100 female wistar weaner rats were obtained and randomly divided into 10 groups namely, A (n=10), B (n=10), C (n=10), D (n=10), E (n=10), F (n=10), G (n=10), H (n=10), I (n=10), and J (n=10). Groups A, B, C, D, E and F were fed on 1, 5, 10, 30, 60, 80 mgF/L (or 0.087, 0.42, 0.823, 2.667, 5.45 and 7.804 mgF/Kg) sodium fluoride in de-ionised water, respectively. Group G, H, I and J were fed on 2 % Magadi salt solution, deionised water (control), 2 % commercial mineral salt solution and 2 % tea infusion, respectively. The dose levels were chosen on the basis of the fact that 1 and 5 mg/l represents low fluoride concentration, while 10 and 30 mg/l represents moderate level which may be toxic and 60 and 80 mg/l represents highly toxic levels of fluoride (Whitford, 1991). The oral route of administration was used on voluntary intake. Bodyweight,organ/bodyweight ratio, organ histopathology and clinical observations were made on each group of rats. Any deaths were recorded immediately. Faecal samples were collected. There were no deaths observed from groups, A (0.087 mg/kg), B (0.042 mg/kg), C (0.823 mg/Kg), H (control), and J (2 % tea). Ten rats died from groups D