Impact of aluminum and selenium on fluoride level in serum and bones and on bone structure

Abstract

Toxic effect of fluoride on the right tibia and fibula bones of young albino rats was studied for 50 days by administering sodium fluoride at doses of 10 mg kg⁻¹ body weight per day. The reversibility of the induced toxicity in the animals was monitored by after administration of aluminium and selenium. Doses of aluminium and selenium were administered simultaneously with sodium fluoride. Further, the influence of antidotes on fluoride toxicity was studied after discontinuing the supply of sodium fluoride. A significant decline of fluoride concentration in the tibia and fibula bones and blood serum was observed after the application of antidotes. Our studies reveal that the supply of aluminium in combination with fluoride, results in the considerable reduction in the absorption of fluoride, leading to lesser morphological changes in bones. However, supply of aluminium separately for 50 days after the discontinuance of fluoride, elicited a marginal effect on the bone morphology.

Keywords:

• antidotes
• bone morphology
• fluoride intake
• fluorosis
• fibula
• tibia

Acknowledgement

One of the authors, Dr. G. Alagumuthu, is grateful to University Grants Commission, Govt. of India, New Delhi for the assistance rendered under the faculty improvement programme scheme.