Volume-dependent transfer of free fatty acids from ehrlich ascites carcinoma to host tissues

The recovery of 9.10-³H] palmitate complexed to mouse serum albumin was studied 5 sec after ip injection into mice bearing Ehrlich ascites carcinomas. Only about 55% of the injected radioactivity remained in the tumor cells, tumor extracellular fluid and peritoneal washings in mice having ca. 5 ml of the ascites tumor (cells plus extracellular fluid). However the recoveries were nearly quantitative from tumors of larger volume (≥8 ml). A model is proposed to account for the volume-dependent transfer of palmitate from tumor to host in these cancerous mice. P.M. was the recipient of a fellowship from the Fonds National Suisse de la Recherche Scientifique during this study.