Dissociation of 5-fluorouracil uptake from intracellular pH in Walker 256 carcinosarcoma

The influence of intracellular pH (pHi) upon 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) uptake has been studied in slices of Walker 256 carcinosarcoma and rat liver. Alteration of pHi was achieved by the addition of either glucose alone or together with oxamic acid to the incubation medium. Results indicated that 5-FU uptake by the tumor slices was not dependent upon pHi, but was enhanced by the presence of glucose. Uptake of 5-FU by liver slices appeared to follow a pattern predictable from the pHi and the pK of the drug.