FLUORIDE AND CALCIUM DISTRIBUTION IN HUMAN PLACENTA Szczecin and Tychy, Poland SUMMARY: Fluoride and calcium concentrations

Fluoride and calcium concentrations in maternal plasma and in placental tissue were determined in 30 healthy women residing in an area with a relatively low water and air fluoride (fluorine) content. The mean fluoride concentrations in maternal plasma and in marginal and central parts o f placenta were 4.27 pMlL, 42.1 pglg of ash, and 33.7 pglg of ash, respectively. The mean calcium concentrations in maternal plasma and in marginal and in central parts of placenta were 2.3 rnMlL, 22.9 mglg of ash, and 20.0 mglg of ash, respectively. Fluoride contents of both parts of placental tissue differed significantly (p < 0.05). High positive correlations (p < 0.001) were found between maternal plasma fluoride concentration and the fluoride content of the marginal part of placenta as well as between maternal plasma calcium concentration and the calcium content of both parts of placental tissue. The same positive correlation was also found between fluoride and calcium contents of marginal part of placental tissue. Our data indicate that most placental fluoride is stored in the marginal part of the organ presumably as a result of the higher concentration of calcium found in that area.