Fluoride inhibition of polymorphonuclear leukocytes.

Significant inhibition of PMN metabolic activity by F- occurred at 0.1, 0.5 and 0.0 mM F- for O2- generation, 1-C14 CO2 release labeled glucose and NBT-reduction respectively. This inhibition resulted primarily from F- suppression of nonoxidative glucose metabolism. As the concentration of F- in the O2- generating system increased beyond 10 mM, a rise in production of O2- anion occurred, peaking at 20 mM F-, followed by a rapid decline.