Extracellular acidosis protects Ehrlich ascites tumor cells and rat renal cortex against anoxic injury.

The present study indicates that extracellular acidosis protects Ehrlich ascites tumor cells and rat kidney cortex cells against injury from anoxia. Parameters measured included cell potassium, adenosine 5'-triphosphate, and uptake of vital dyes. Cells survived longer at a pH of 5.6 to 6.5 than at a pH of 7.4; pH 7.9 was most detrimental. These findings indicate that production of protons by anoxic cells may be a protective feedback mechanism.