ABSTRACT
Renal excretion represents the most important avenue for the removal of fluoride from the body. The renal clearance of fluoride failed to correlate with urine flow rate during nitrate and sulfate dieresis. The influence of chronic acid-base disturbances on fluoride metabolism has been studied in rats. Twenty-four female F-344 rats were assigned to three groups and caged in pairs. Urinary fluoride excretion in the acidotic group was only one half, and renal fluoride clearance was only one quarter, that of the alkalotic group. These findings suggest that the renal mechanism plays an important role in determining body fluoride content during relatively minor disturbances in acid-base balance. The dependence of fluoride transport on pH gradients has important implications. In cases of acute fluoride poisoning, expeditious manipulation of urinary pH might favorably affect the clinical outcome. It is recommended that a diuresis be induced in acute toxicity.
