Effect of intraperitoneally injected fluoride on plasma calcium in suckling and adult rats

Sodium fluoride 10, 20 or 40 mg/kg body weight was given intraperitoneally to rats (6-11 days old and 90-95 days old). Blood analyses showed an initial increase in plasma fluoride concentration. The subsequent decrease in fluoride was paralleled by a decrease in total plasma calcium. These plasma concentrations were normal at blood collection 4 days after fluoride injection. The baby rats differed from the older rats in that their initial plasma calcium was higher and that the drop in plasma calcium concentration was less pronounced than in the old rats. A diet low in calcium and phosphate enhanced the effects of fluoride on total plasma calcium. The data indicate that the effect of large doses of fluoride on lowering the plasma calcium level is modified by the calcium intake.