TESTING THE POTENTIAL OF SODIUM-FLUORIDE TO AFFECT SPERMATOGENESIS INTHE RAT

The potential of sodium fluoride (NaF) to affect spermatogenesis and e ndocrine function was assessed in P and F-1 generation male rats. Male and female experimental rats received sodium fluoride in their drinki ng water at one of four concentrations (25, 100, 175, 250 ppm). P gene ration male and female rats were exposed to sodium fluoride in their d rinking water for 10 wk and then males were mated to females within th e same treatment groups. Reproductive tissues were collected from P ge neration male rats after approximately 14 wk of treatment. Pregnant fe males (P) were exposed to sodium fluoride via their drinking water thr ough gestation and lactation. F-1 generation weanling male rats remain ed within the same treatment groups as their parents. F-1 generation m ale rats were exposed to sodium fluoride in their drinking water for 1 4 wk, at which time reproductive tissues were collected. Dose-related effects were not observed within the P and F-1 treatment groups in tes tis weights, prostate/seminal vesicle weights, non-reproductive organ weights, testicular spermatid counts, sperm production per gram of tes tis per day, sperm production per gram of testis, LH, FSH or serum tes tosterone concentrations. Histological changes were not observed in te sticular tissues from either the P or F-1 generation. We conclude that prolonged exposure to sodium fluoride in drinking water at the doses administered in this study does not adversely affect spermatogenesis o r endocrine function in the P and F-1 generation male rats. (C) 1997 E lsevier Science Ltd.