Effects of Fluoride on Surface Structure of Primary Culture Leydig Cells in Mouse.

Abstract

Fluoride (F) is known to induce reproduction toxicity, and the elucidation of its underlying mechanisms is an ongoing research. These findings aim to provide deeper insights into roles of soduim fluoride (NaF) in testis damage, which could contribute to a better understanding of fluoride-induced male reproductive toxicity. The Leydig cells were administrated by 0, 5, 10, and 20mg/L NaF for 24h, respectively. Scanning electron microscope was used to identify the change of surface structure in the Leydig cells. The results showed that fluoride exposure of high-dose induced bulged balloon in the membrane of the Leydig cell. We speculated that high doses of NaF inhibited cell proliferation and induced cell apoptosis in Leydig cells. This is the first time that we have reported that fluoride impaired cytomembrane and cytoskeleton of the Leydig cells in vitro treated with different doses of fluoride for 24h by using a scanning electron microscope. Damage to the cytoskeleton and cytomembrane may be one of the reasons of male reproductive toxicity induced by fluoride.