The Distribution of Minerals in Some Tissues of Sheep With Fluorosis

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the metabolism of certain minerals (calcium, copper, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, and zinc) in bone, tooth, and gum tissues in sheep with fluorosis. Ten sheep with fluorosis were compared to 10 non-fluorotic control sheep. In the bone, in the fluorosis group, the level of copper decreased significantly (p<0.03) while the levels of the other minerals were unchanged. In the teeth, in the fluorosis group, the level of calcium increased (p<0.01) and decreases occurred in the levels of magnesium.(p<0.05), zinc (p<0.05) and manganese (p<0.01). In the gums, in the fluorosis group, the calcium and manganese levels were significantly higher (p<0.01) and the magnesium level was significantly lower (p<0.05). No differences were found in the, levels of phosphorus in the bone, tooth, or gum tissues. In conclusion, the bone, tooth, and gum tissue levels of several minerals with important structural or trace element catalytic functions, were found to be altered in sheep affected by chronic fluorosis.