Trace element concentration in various tissues following fluoride administration to female mice.

Brain, liver, kidney and muscles demonstrate significant changes in essential trace element (Cu, Zn, Mn and Fe) level in adult female mice given 30, 60 and 120 ppm sodium fluoride (NaF) in drinking water. These changes involve excess removal or accumulation of these trace elements in respective tissues. Changes observed were dose dependent and significant at 120 ppm NaF concentration in drinking water.

Neurotoxicity of fluoride: neurodegeneration in hippocampus of female mice.

Light microscopic study of hippocampal sub-regions demonstrated significant number of degenerated nerve cell bodies in the CA3, CA4 and dentate gyrus(Dg) areas of sodium fluoride administered adult female mice. Ultrastructural studies revealed neurodegenrative characteristics like involution of cell membranes, swelling of mitochondria, clumping of chromatin material etc, can be observed in cell bodies of CA3, CA4 and dentate gyrus (Dg). Fluoride intoxicated animals also performed poorly in motor co-ordination tests and maze tests. Inability to perform well increased with higher fluoride concentration in drinking water.