Testing the potential of sodium fluoride to affect spermatogenesis in the rat

The potential of sodium fluoride (NaF) to affect spermatogenesis and endocrine function was assessed in P and F1 generation male rats. Male and female experimental rats received sodium fluoride in their drinking water at one of four concentrations (25, 100, 175, 250 ppm). P generation male and female rats were exposed to sodium fluoride in their drinking water for 10 wk and then males were mated to females within the same treatment groups. Reproductive tissues were collected from P generation male rats after approximately 14 wk of treatment. Pregnant females (P) were exposed to sodium fluoride via their drinking water through gestation and lactation. F1 generation weanling male rats remained within the same treatment groups as their parents. F1 generation male rats were exposed to sodium fluoride in their drinking water for 14 wk, at which time reproductive tissues were collected. Dose-related effects were not observed within the P and F1 treatment groups in testis weights, prostate/ seminal vesicle weights, non-reproductive organ weights, testicular spermatid counts, sperm production per gram of testis per day, sperm production per gram of testis, LH, FSH or serum testosterone concentrations. Histological changes were not observed in testicular tissues from either the P or F1 generation. We conclude that prolonged exposure to sodium fluoride in drinking water at the doses administered in this study does not adversely affect spermatogenesis or endocrine function in the P and F1 generation male rats.