INFLUENCE OF CHRONIC FLUOROSIS ON MEMBRANE-LIPIDS IN RAT-BRAIN

Brain membrane lipid in rats were analyzed after being fed either 30 o r 100 ppm fluoride for 3, 5, and 7 months. The protein content of brai n with fluorosis decreased, whereas the DNA content remained stable du ring the entire period of investigation. After 7 months of fluoride tr eatment, the total brain phospholipid content decreased by 10% and 20% in the 30 and 100 ppm fluoride groups, respectively. The main species of phospholipid influenced by fluorosis were phosphatidylethanolamine , phosphatidylcholine, and phosphatidylserine. The fatty acid and alde hyde compositions of individual phospholipid classes were unchanged. N o modifications could be detected in the amounts of cholesterol and do lichol. After 3 months of fluoride treatment, ubiquinone contents in b rain were lower; however, at 7 months they were obviously increased in both groups of fluoride treatment. The results demonstrate that the c ontents of phospholipid and ubiquinone are modified in brains affected by chronic fluorosis and these changes of membrane lipids could be in volved in the pathogenesis of this disease. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Inc.