172 Fluoride 2004;37(3):172–184 Research report Fluoride 2004;37(3) FLUORIDE AND/OR ARSENIC TOXICITY IN MICE TESTIS WITH FORMATION OF GIANT CELLS AND SUBSEQUENT RECOVERY BY SOME ANTIDOTES NJ Chinoy, a K Tewari, DD Jhala Ahmedabad, India SUMMARY: Administration of sodium fluoride (NaF, 5 mg/kg body weight) and/or arsenic trioxide (As 2 O 3 , 0.5 mg/kg body weight) for 30 days caused structural alterations (including the formation of giant cells) in mice testis, affected spermatogenesis, reduced protein levels, and lowered activities of 3β- and 17β- hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases (HSDs). In turn, the latter effect resulted in accumulation of cholesterol and a decline in testosterone levels, indicating a decrease in testicular steroidogenesis. Withdrawal of NaF + As 2 O 3 for 30 days led to partial recovery, but supplementation with ascorbic acid, calcium, and vitamin E, individually or in combination, during the withdrawal period, caused significant recovery in testis. Keywords: Arsenic and testis; Fluoride and testis; Spermatogenesis; Testicular steroidogenesis; Testis structure alterations; Toxicity reversal. INTRODUCTION The occasional widespread distribution of fluoride and arsenic in the environ- ment through drinking water and food often results in adverse health effects. Excess fluoride in drinking water leads to fluorosis, and elevated arsenic leads to arsenism. 1,2 Although research has been carried out on the effects of fluoride on the reproductive organs as well as fertility impairment in animal models, the results are controversial. 3-9 Moreover, the effects of arsenic and/or fluoride inges- tion on the reproductive organs are not fully understood. Hence, an investigation was made of the toxic effects on the testis of mice ingesting fluoride and/or arsenic by mice for 30 days, followed by monitoring recovery after a 30-day withdrawal period with and without antidotes. MATERIALS AND METHODS Adult Swiss strain male mice (Mus musculus) weighing between 20 and 30 g were procured from National Institute of Occupational Health (NIOH), Ahmeda- bad, under Registration Number 167/1999/CPCSEA, from the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India and Committee for the Purpose of Control and Supervision of Experiments on Animals, Chennai, India. The mice were divided into thirteen groups and treated with sodium fluoride (NaF), arsenic trioxide (As 2 O 3 ) and their combination as well as with vitamins C and E and calcium phosphate as shown in the treatment protocol table. a For correspondence: Reproductive Endocrinology and Toxicology Unit, Department of Zoology, School of Sciences, Gujarat University, Ahmedabad 380 009, India. E-mail: zooldeptgu@satyam.net.in