Cellular and histochemical characteristics of osteoid formed in experimental fluoride poisoning.

The present study on the cellular and histochemical characteristics of osteoid formed in iliac crest bone during fluoride poisoning in rabbits was carried out as there is no information available to date either on its structural or biochemical characteristics. Osteoid formation in bone is prevalent both in fluorosis and in sodium fluoride therapy for osteoporosis. The report provides evidence which indicates that fluoride induces osteophytic activity leading to the formation of cartilagenous loci (fibrocartilage) in bone, the matrix of which is loaded with glycosaminoglycans (GAG) and proteoglycans. The occurrence of dermatan sulphate is demonstrated histochemically. Accumulation of dermatan sulphate in the cartilagenous matrix possibly prevents the normal process of mineralization.