A Synthetic Ionophore for Ca2+: Studies with Model and Biological Systems

Abstract
The relatively simple .beta.-diketone, 1,1,1,2,2,3,3-heptafluoro-7,7-dimethyloctane-4,6-dione, known as fod, will solvate Ca2+ ions in an organic phase. It will transport Ca2+ across phospholipid bilayers. It acts as predicted for a Ca2+-transporting ionophore in 2 biological systems: it will stimulate Ca2+-dependent K+ efflux from human red blood cells, and Ca2+-dependent histamine secretion from rat peritoneal mast cells.