Prenatal Fluoride Exposure: Measurement of Plasma Levels and Enamel Uptake in the Guinea Pig

Abstract

This study measured the effects of variations in the maternal fluoride intake on changes in maternal plasma, fetal plasma, and fetal enamel fluoride levels of near-term guinea pig pups.Pregnant sows were divided randomly into one of three groups whose drinking water was either de-ionized or contained 5 ppm or 20 ppm fluoride supplied ad libitum. At approximately 55 days' gestation, maternal and fetal plasma and fetal enamel samples were collected and assayed for fluoride. Results showed an increase in mean fluoride concentration for maternal plasma from the de-ionized to the 20-ppm group. Mean fetal plasma fluoride concentrations were lower at baseline and increased much less than did maternal plasma levels. Mean fetal enamel concentrations increased in a fashion similar to that of the maternal plasma levels and exhibited significant differences among all groups.