EXPERIMENTAL STUDIES ON THE CHRONIC FLUORINE POISONING

Abstract

For the purpose of clarifying the effect of low-concentration fluorine to be exerted on a living body, sodium fluoride was administered to rabbits for a duration of 20 months and its effect manifested during this period was observed. Twelve young rabbits were divided into four groups, and 0.017, 0.17 and 1.67 mg of fluorine per kg of body weight was administered through the mouth, and the following findings were observed: 1. No difference was observed in body weight among the groups. 2. Practically, no effect was seen on the state of blood. 3. From about seven months after the experiment, symptoms of mottled teeth and dental abrasion were observed in incisor. 4. In the long bone, such symptoms of bone hardening as swelling of epithelium, increase of diameter and of bending were noted. 5. No striking change was seen in the electrocardiogram. 6. Pathohistologically, swelling, turbidity and vacuolation in liver cells, swelling and turbidity in kidney cells and slight atrophy of myocardial fibres were observed. The extent of those changes depends on the amount of fluorine administered. 7. In offsprings of rabbits administered with fluorine, pathohistological degeneration could be noted in liver, kidney, heart and spleen.