The objective of this study was to investigate the toxic effects of differe
nt concentrations of sodium fluoride (200, 400 and 600 ppm NaF), administer
ed in drinking water for 30 days, on the reproductive system of adult femal
e Sprague-Dawley rats. The rats in the two higher-dosed groups showed clini
cal signs of toxicity unlike those exposed to NaF at a concentration of 200
ppm. Ingestion of 200 ppm NaF had no effect on the pregnancy rate of the r
ats nor on the number of implantations. However, the number of viable fetus
es was significantly lower than in the control group. Furthermore, the preg
nant rats with resorptions and the total number of resorptions increased in
the NaF-treated group. There was also a significant increase in maternal o
rgan weights. Rats which had ingested NaF showed increases in both the abso
lute and relative weights of the ovaries and in the relative weights of the
uterus and kidney. The maternal body weights and water consumption were si
gnificantly reduced in the treated rats. The results indicate that exposure
of female rats to NaF in drinking water has adverse fetotoxic effects.