Abstract
Fluoride is an essential trace element for normal skeletal growth and maintenance. As fluoride intake can lead to increased skeletal mass, fluoride in the form of NaF is being used clinically in the treatment of osteoporosis. The mechanisms by which fluoride affects bone is poorly understood. NaF administration has been found to increase the rate of bone formation along with an increase in the number of osteoblast cells. Fluoride has been also shown to increase the crystallinity of bone apatite by substituting for hydroxylions in the apatite lattice, rendering bone mineral less soluble and more stable.In our study we undertook to elucidate further the effects of fluoride on bone mineral. Eight mature female rats (250-300 g) were divided into control and fluoride-treated groups with 4 rats in each group. The fluoridetreated rats were given a fixed amount of supplemental NaF in their water and food: the control group was given distilled water and no supplemental fluoride. The animals were sacrificed 7 weeks later.
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