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.
Keywords