CONTENT OF CATECHOLAMINES IN BLOOD SERUM OF RATS UNDER FLUORIDE INTOXICATION

Area of Science:

• Toxicology
• Neuroendocrinology
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Catecholamines, including norepinephrine and epinephrine, are crucial neurotransmitters and hormones.
• Sodium fluoride (SF) is a common environmental toxicant with known physiological effects.
• Understanding SF's impact on the sympathoadrenal system is vital for assessing health risks.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of sub-chronic oral sodium fluoride (SF) exposure on serum catecholamine levels in rats.
• To elucidate the dose-dependent and time-dependent responses of the sympathoadrenal system to SF.

Main Methods:

• Adult Wistar rats were administered daily oral doses of SF (0.2, 2, or 20 mg/kg body weight) for 60 days.
• Serum levels of norepinephrine and epinephrine were quantified to assess catecholamine content.
• Dose-response and temporal effects on the sympathoadrenal system were analyzed.

Main Results:

• Exposure to SF at 2 mg/kg (1/100 DL50) for 60 days and 20 mg/kg (1/10 DL50) for 50 days significantly increased serum norepinephrine and epinephrine.
• This initial increase suggests hyperactivation of the sympathoadrenal system and adaptive stress responses.
• By day 60 at the highest dose (20 mg/kg), serum catecholamine levels decreased, indicating depleted tissue stores and reduced sympathoadrenal system capacity.

Conclusions:

• Sub-chronic sodium fluoride exposure induces significant alterations in catecholamine metabolism and sympathoadrenal system function.
• Prolonged high-dose SF exposure can lead to a pathogenic state characterized by oxidative stress and impaired sympathoadrenal function.
• These findings highlight the neuroendocrine toxicity of sodium fluoride and its potential long-term health implications.