Tumor growth inhibition by ammonium chloride-induced acidosis

Ammonium chloride-induced metabolic acidosis decreases the growth of various experimental tumors. Spleen exhibits the same effects. There is a sex factor which seems to affect the growth of both tumor and spleen. The observed tumor inhibition appears to be related to a systemic impairment of the anabolic mechanisms. The decrease in tumor calcium suggests that this element may play a role in the tissue growth. The possible implication of cell membrane changes and of a block in glycolysis in the acidosis effects are discussed.