Differential influence of fluoride concentration on the synthesis of bone matrix glycoproteins within mineralizing bone cells in vitro

Abstract

Objective. This study investigated the influence of fluoride levels on the temporal synthesis of bone-associated glycoproteins, which have been assigned prominent roles in regulating crystal growth, size and shape during the mineralization process. Materials and methods. Bone marrow stromal cells were isolated from male Wistar rats and cultured under mineralizing conditions, supplemented with 0 M, 10⁻⁷ M or 10⁻⁵ M sodium fluoride. The presence of bone-associated glycoproteins was examined 2–13 days post-reseeding by immunocytochemical localization. Results. All bone-associated glycoproteins increased in 10⁻⁷ M fluoride, compared to untreated controls, particularly at days 6 and 13 in culture. Conversely, higher 10⁻⁵ M fluoride concentrations decreased glycoprotein levels, compared to controls. Conclusions. Results highlight a differential effect of fluoride concentration on glycoprotein synthesis by osteoblasts.