X-ray fluorescence measurement of bone calcium, phosphorous and fluoride in a rat osteoporosis model.

The fluoride (F), calcium (Ca) and phosphorous (P) content in two parts of the bone mandible, lumbar spine and femur of rats fed a low mineral diet and corresponding controls were determined by X-ray fluorescence. The anterior part of the mandible, including teeth was labeled as part I while the posterior part, including the mandibular head but excluding the teeth was designed as part II. The bone Ca, P and F content of part I was the same for the experimental and control groups.