title: Effect of topical application of fluoride on the healing rate of experimental calvarial defects in rats.
abstract: The effect of the local application of fluoride on the healing process of experimental calvarial defects in rats was studied. A total of 172 male rats, 6 weeks old, weighing 100 to to 160 gm, were used in the experiments. Two standard defects, each approximately 2.8 mm in diameter, were drilled through the parietal bones on either side of the sagittal suture. In one half of the rats that were operated on, a 20-minute topical application of 2% acidulated (0.1 M H3PO4) NaF solution was used. The control rats underwent the same local treatment with saline solution. Groups of 9 to 13 rats were killed at 4, 5, 7, 9, and 12 weeks after the operation. Radiographs of each calvarium demonstrated the healing area in the bone. Linear bone apposition was measured from histological sections. Fluoride content was determined in ashed calvaria with an Orion electrode. The results indicate that all fluoride-treated groups had increased bone gain compared with the control group. The histological examination revealed no major differences in the structure, number, and size of the cells of the newly formed bone in either group. The mean fluoride concecreased until completion of the experiment.
mesh_terms: D000287:Administration, Topical; D000818:Animals; D005459:Fluorides / Q000494:pharmacology*; D008297:Male; D051381:Rats; D012886:Skull / Q000032:analysis / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology; D012969:Sodium Fluoride / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000032:analysis / Q000494:pharmacology*; D014945:Wound Healing / Q000187:drug effects
chemical_list: D012969:Sodium Fluoride; D005459:Fluorides