Objective: To investigate the effects of overdose fluoride on the expression of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) in rat incisors.
Methods: Twenty Wistar rats were randomly divided into 2 groups: group I (control group) distilled water was given; group II (experimental group) 100 mg/L NaF was given. The rats were killed at the end of 8 th week. Immunohistochemical staining was used to study the expression of bFGF in rat incisors.
Results: Immunohistochemical results demonstrated the presence of bFGF in ameloblasts, odontoblasts of rat incisors. The expression of bFGF was reduced in group II (P < 0.01).
Conclusions: Overdose fluoride inhibits the expression of bFGF and affects the interaction between dental epithelium and dental mesenchyme, which leads to the enamel demineralization.