Regulating Myocardial Metabolism by Infusion of Glucose, Insulin and Potassium in Hyperpolarized [1-13C]Pyruvate MRS Studies

Mette Hauge Lauritzen¹, Peter Magnusson¹, Sadia Asghar Butt¹, Lise Vejby Sgaard¹, Jan Henrik Ardenkjr-Larsen², Per keson¹

Changes in myocardial metabolism play an important role in the etiology of different cardiac diseases. MR Spectroscopy with hyperpolarized [1-¹³C]pyruvate can visualize myocardial metabolism. However, the usability of the technique can be complicated, because it depends on high myocardial glucose availability, which can be difficult to control during in vivo MR studies. This study demonstrate how infusion of glucose, insulin and potassium can increase the [¹³C]bicarbonate MRS-signal significantly after injection of hyperpolarized [1-¹³C]pyruvate in rats. This improves the sensitivity of the technique to assess metabolic changes in the myocardium as a result of disease.