The Effects of Sub-lethal Concentrations of Sodium Fluoride on the Number and Diameters of Ovarian Follicles

Fluoride was the first compound utilized in the fluoridation of drinking water, and still used today to prevent dental caries. Sodium fluoride exerts it toxic effects on different organs. Ovarian follicle considered as the fundamental unit of ovary. The current work aimed to study the toxic effects of sodium fluoride (NaF) on the number and diameters of ovarian follicles. Twenty seven adults, non-pregnant female albino rats were used in this study. Rats were randomly divided into three equal groups. The 1st group was untreated group, 2nd group was treated with 150ppm of sodium fluoride by gavage daily for 90 days and the third group was treated with sodium fluoride (300ppm) by gavage daily for 90 days. The sodium fluoride had adverse effects on the number and diameters of ovarian follicle in both treated groups in contrast to the control group. Also in addition, inhibition of the maturation of ovarian follicles. These results suggest that sodium fluoride damage the structures of ovary, and has adverse effects on the coefficient of the female reproductive system