REVERSIBLE EFFECTS OF SODIUM-FLUORIDE INGESTION ON SPERMATOZOA OF THERAT

The effects of ingestion of sodium fluoride (NaF), 10 mg/kg body weigh t 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 adminis tering some therapeutic agents, viz., ascorbic acid and calcium alone and in combination with NaF (50 and 70 days), on sperm structure and m etabolism were also studied. The results revealed that the sperm acros omal hyaluronidase and acrosin were reduced after 50 days of NaF treat ment. Sperm stained with acidic alcoholic silver nitrate revealed acro somal damage and deflagellation, which might be causative factors for the reduced activity of the enzymes. These alterations also resulted i n a decline in sperm motility. The cauda epididymal sperm count was de creased, perhaps because of spermatogenic arrest. Thus, the low sperm motility and count ultimately contributed toward reduction in fertilit y by NaF treatment. However, withdrawal of NaF treatment for 70 days p roduced incomplete recovery, while administration of ascorbic acid and calcium, individually and in combination, brought about significant r ecovery of fluoride-induced effects. Thus, the effects of fluoride on sperm structure and metabolism of rats are transient and reversible.