31P NMR spectroscopy of brain and heart.

Abstract

31P NMR technique was applied to monitor changes in the energy metabolism of the brain and heart of unanesthetized cats during shock, stroke, hypoxia and increased functional activity. The results show that in these tissues content of inorganic phosphate, sugar phosphates, phosphocreatine and of ATP can be measured decently in awake animals. At the same time this technique has the great advantage over the disruptive biochemical methods that it gives a semi-continuous reading and it is non-invasive. Our findings are summarized as follows: Hemorrhagic shock resulted in an irreversible deterioration of the energy state of the brain. Our stroke model led to a very marked increase in Pi and a decrease CP in the brain but these changes were reversible. The ATP levels of the brain as it was indicated by 31p NMR spectra were not affected by hemorrhagic shock and stroke which can be attributed probably by the reduced rate of ATP consumption. The verification of this hypothesis needs further work. During increased mechanical performance the levels of SP, and Pi increased, ATP decreased, while CP was not influenced in the heart.