Influence of Fluoride on Rat Intestinal Bacteria and Epithelial Cells

Abstract

Fluorides occur naturally in the earths' crust where they are found in rocks, coal, clay and soil. They are released into the air and water also from industries like coal-fired power plants, aluminium smelters, fertilizer plants, glass, brick and tile works and plastic factories. Chronic fluoride ingestion can lead to skeletal fluorosis, teeth molting, gastro intestinal pain, nausea and vomiting. Following oral administration, the prime site of interaction is the epithelium of intestine and the gut micro flora. In the present stud y, the <i>in situ </i>effect of sodium fluoride was carried out on rat intestinal epithelial cell lining, and the <i>in vitro </i>effect on a facultative gut bacteria <i>E.coli. </i>Intestinal loops were filled with sodium fluoride solutions (0,24,48 and 96 mM) and incubated <i>in situ </i>for 30 min. Results revealed a concentration-dependent increase of alkaline phosphatase and cholesterol in the luminal fluid indicating the release of enzyme and sterol from the epithelial ceil membrane. Concomitant decline these in the brush border preparations were also evident. Ca²⁺- Mg²⁺- ATPase activities of brush border also found to be declined. <i>In vitro </i>effect of fluoride on <i>E.coli </i>also revealed a concentration-dependent decline in growth parameters. These results indicate substantial damage to the epithelial ceil membrane and gut <i>Ecoli </i>with higher fluoride concentrations.