Calcification. V. Influence of Fluoride and Cyanide Ions in the Presence and Absence of Magnesium. ∗

Abstract

Summary

1. The initial rate of calcification of rachitic cartilage sections in inorganic media is markedly reduced in the presence of 10_-4 M fluoride ion. With more prolonged incubation there is a relief of inhibition unless magnesium is included in the calcifying solution. 10₋₃ M fluoride is similarly effective in preventing mineralization provided the solution contains an adequate amount of magnesium; in its absence, the initial interference by 10₋₃ M fluoride is rapidly obscured by a secondary effect, interpreted as incorporation of fluoride in the growing mineral deposit, which gives rise to an apparent increase in calcification over the control. 2. Cyanide ion blocks calcification in the presence, but not in the absence of magnesium.