Objective: To evaluate the morphological changes of cardiomyocytes exposed to different sodium fluoride (NaF) concentrations, as well as to evaluate the behavior of the mitochondria.
Methods: Rat H9c2 cardiomyocytes were exposed to NaF at concentrations of 0.5 to 5 mmol/L. The morphology and number of mitochondria in these cells were monitored, and the calcium ion (Ca2+) concentration was determined.
Results: Morphological changes were evident in the cells treated with different NaF concentrations, and both the number of mitochondria and the Ca2+ concentration decreased in a dose-dependent manner.
Conclusion: Sodium fluoride induced morphological damage in cardiomyocytes, decreases the Ca2+ concentration and mitochondrial number.
Keywords: Ca2+ concentration; Cardiomyocytes; Fluoride; Mitochondria; Morphological change.