Apoptosis of spermatogenic cell induced by fluoride in male rats

Objective To observe the effects of fluoride on spermatogenic cell apoptosis in adult male rats. Methods The fluorosis model was set up by subcutaneous injection of NaF solution. The amount of NaF in testis and the apoptosis of the spermatogenic cells were measured by nitrification-fluorine selective electrode technique, the light microscope technique and in situ cell apoptosis detection by TUNEL, respectively. Results ①After 28 days administration of NaF(10 and 20 mg/kg NaF, respectively), the amount of NaF in testis was higher in NaF treated groups (8.14±0.44 and 9.78±0.75 μg/g,respectively) than that in control group (P 0.05), and after 38 days the results were almost the same as those of 28 days. ②Compared with the control group, the spermatogenic cell index in every fluoride treated group was higher (P 0.01). ③The apoptotic spermatogenic cell index was positive correlated to the amount of NaF in testis (r = 0.9051～ 0.9616, P 0.01) Conclusions Excessive fluoride leads to apoptosis of spermatogenic cell.