THE EFFECT OF SODIUM FLUORIDE (NaF) ON FERTILITY OF FEMALE MICE

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of oral administration of sodium fluoride (NaF) on fertility of female mice. Sixty four mature female mice were divided into four major groups including: control (C) group and three treatments groups (T-1 , T-2 and T-3) according to NaF dose which were: 0, 200 ppm, 400 ppm and 600 ppm respectively. Each major group was subdivided into two minor groups according to the period of NaF administration (10 or 15 weeks). Therefore, each minor group contains eight females. Parameters studied were: weight of female reproductive organs, level of serum estradiol, percentage of live birth and fertility. Results revealed significant reduction (P<0.01) in the weights of whole female reproductive system, ovaries and uterine horns for all treated groups as compared to control group for both periods of experiment. Serum estradiol for all treatment groups was reduced when compared to control group for both periods of experiment. A significant reduction (P<0.05) was observed in the percentages of live birth and fertility for all treated groups as compared to control group. Therefore, it was concluded that the NaF administration reduced fertility of female mice, number of mice born and level of serum estradiol.