| Abstract: | Histomorphometric study was made on a series
of sections of undecalcified epiphyseal femoral
specimens from rats with experimental fluorosis. The
results revealed osteosclerosis in Group A (5 ppm)
being more severe than that in Group B (25 ppm)
With the increase of fluoride dose, the parameters
fell down instead of increased in parallel. There is
seemingly a threshold over which osteosclerosis in
fluorosis becomes less severe. In contrast to Bely's
conclusion the authors proposed that, fluoride toxi-
city, besides decreasing the number of osteoblasts,
may also activate the osteoblasts. The number of
osteoblasts may be increased with relative lower
dose of fluoride also. The net outcome is the in
crement in bone volume. When toxic dose of
fluoride is higher enough (higher than the proposed
threshold), however, the number of osteoblasts and
its activity are inhibited. So are the osteocytes. This
interpretation may be the cytological basis for
osteosclerosis in the experimental fluorosis. |
