Fluoride Decreases Expression of Neural Cell Adhesion Molecules
Neural cell adhesion molecules are widely expressed in the nervous system, where they are involved in axon growth and guidance fundamental processes that underlie formation of the synaptic connections and myelinated nerve structure crucial to brain development.
Fluoride exposure has been shown to cause a dose-dependent decrease in expression levels of neural cell adhesion molecules (NCAM) in rat hippocampal neurons. In particular, the NCAM-140 protein expression level was significantly lower in response to the lowest dose of fluoride used. [Xia et al. 2007; Zhang et al. 2007]
NCAM-140 is found in migrating growth cones that are crucial to the formation of synaptic connections. [Beggs et al. 1997]
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
Research suggests that brain enlargement in autism is likely due to cell adhesion dysfunction. [Lahiri et al. 2013] Significantly lower serum levels of several types of adhesion molecules, including NCAM, have been found in ASD. [Kameno et al. 2013; Plioplys et al. 1990]
Neural pathways involving synaptic cell adhesion are disrupted in some people with autism, including alterations in the structure and expression of NCAM. [Betancur et al. 2009; Sakurai 2012]
Pregnancy and Fluoride Do Not Mix, page 52
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