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Fluoride 1994; 27(2):67-75

Beneficial effects of ascorbic acid and calcium on reproductive functions of sodium fluoride-treated prepubertal male rats

Chinoy NJ, Reddy VVPC, Michael M

Department of Zoology, School of Sciences, Gujarat University, Ahmedabad 388 009, India

Summary: The therapeutic effects of ascorbic acid and calcium (Ca2+) supplementation on reproductive functions of fluoride-treated (10 mg/kg body weight) male rats were investigated. Sodium fluoride treatment resulted in a decrease in almost all parameters studied except concentration of testicular cholesterol, which implies that androgen synthesis might not be affected by NaF treatment. Succinate dehydrogenase activity decreased in testis suggesting that its oxidative metabolism was altered by NaF treatment. Adenosine triposphatase activity, protein, and sialic acid levels in caput and cauda epididymides also showed a decrease. All these changes resulted in a significant decrease in sperm motility and thereby fertility rate. Glycogen concentrations in vas deferens were altered, probably due to impaired metabolic turnover. The fructose levels in vas deferens and seminal vesicle as well as the acid phosphatase activity in ventral prostate were also decreased significantly by NaF treatment.

On the other hand, simultaneous treatment of NaF along with ascorbic acid or calcium resulted in recovery in all the affected parameters studied. The recovery was more significant after treatment with ascorbic acid than with calcium. Therefore, ascorbic acid and calcium may be useful for amelioration of fluoride toxicity in endemic areas.

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