Journal of Dental Research, Vol 68, 1169-1172, Copyright © 1989 by International & American Associations for Dental Research Online Journals
Effect of an acute maternal fluoride dose on fetal plasma fluoride levels and enamel fluoride uptake in guinea pigs
J. W. Bawden, T. G. Deaton, G. G. Koch and B. P. Crawford
Department of Pediatric Dentistry, University of North Carolina, School of Dentistry, Chapel Hill 27599.
We conducted this study to measure maternal plasma, fetal plasma, and fetal
enamel fluoride concentrations for four hours following an oral F dose to
near-term pregnant guinea pigs. We placed female guinea pigs on de-ionized
(Group I) or 3-ppm-F (Group II) drinking water prior to breeding and during
gestation. On the 57th day of gestation, we administered a maternal dose of
NaF solution (0.6 mg F/kg) by stomach tube. We collected samples of
maternal plasma, fetal plasma, and fetal enamel at baseline, at 15 and 30
min, and at one, two, and four h after administration of the dose. We
assayed samples for F using a modification of the micro-diffusion and
ion-specific electrode method. Group I mean baseline F values were:
maternal plasma, 0.016; fetal plasma, 0.002; and fetal enamel, 7.0 ppm.
Group II mean values were: 0.055, 0.004, and 19.0 ppm. After the maternal
fluoride dose, the mean maternal plasma [F] rose sharply for 30 to 60 min
and declined to about 50% of peak values by four h. Fetal plasma [F]
changed less in absolute values, but similarly to maternal changes relative
to baseline. Fetal enamel mean [F] rose more in Group II than in Group I.
Baseline F status had an important effect on F uptake in fetal enamel
following an acute maternal fluoride dose.
