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Abstract #3288

The Metabolic Effects of Pyruvate Infusion During Hyperpolarized Magnetic Resonance Experiments

Helen Jennifer Atherton1, Michael S. Dodd1, Emma E. Carter1, Marie A. Schroeder1, Simon Nagel2, Nicola R. Sibson3, Kieran Clarke1, George K. Radda1, Damian J. Tyler1

1Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, Oxfordshire, United Kingdom; 2Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, Oxfordshire, United Kingdom; 3CRUK-MRC Gray Institute for Radiation Oncology and Biology, University of Oxford, Oxford, Oxfordshire, United Kingdom


Hyperpolarized 13C-magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) represents a powerful technique for studying metabolism in vivo. To assess pyruvate metabolism in rats, 1ml 80mM [1-13C]pyruvate is injected. This study investigated the metabolic effects of injecting supraphysiological pyruvate concentrations and found that circulating pyruvate concentration peaked 1min post infusion at ~250M, equivalent to levels reached naturally within the body e.g. during exercise. The plasma concentration of glucose, insulin, triacylglycerides and NEFAs did not alter significantly up to 30min post infusion, however lactate and beta-hydroxybutyrate levels increased significantly 30min post infusion (p<0.01) and may be formed from excess circulating pyruvate and acetyl CoA respectively.