RESUMEN
Objective To investigate the adverse effect of chronic fluorosis on the testicular structure of rats testis and the antagonism of taurine-zinc. Methods 30 male Wistar rats were randomly divided into 5 groups (6 in each) and treated with fluoride and taurine-zinc through drinking water: control, low fluorine (LF, 100 mg NaF/L), high fluorine (HF, 200 mg NaF/L), low fluorine plus Zn(LF+Zn), high fluorine plus Zn (HF+Zn). After 5 months of fluoride treated, the rats in LF+Zn and HF+Zn groups were given taurine-zinc (0.34 g/L) by added in the drinking water for another month. Six months later, the testicle structure in all groups was examined under the microscope. Results In LF group, the loosened testicular gland and interstitial edema were seen. In HF group, primary spermatocyte became smaller and sperm head disappeared. However, in LF+Zn and HF+Zn groups there were no so significant damages, the changes were similar to normal testis. Conclusion Chronic fluorosis can cause testis damage and taurine-zinc presents a obvious antagonism in rats.