The action of various fluorides on rat mast cells. A comparative study.

The effect of various fluorides as to their ability to activate mast cells to subsequent secretory action of calcium have been investigated. The mechanism of action of both potassium and lithium fluoride conformed to a secretory process by being dependent on calcium and cellular metabolic energy. On the other hand, the action of ammonium fluoride seemed to be cytotoxic. Among fluorides tested, potassium fluoride was shown to be the most potent agent. The potency of mast cell activatory action of fluorides was parallel to their dissociation constants.