Hyperpolarized 13C NMR detects rapid drug-induced changes in cardiac metabolism.

Purpose: The diseased myocardium lacks metabolic flexibility and responds to stimuli differently compared with healthy hearts. Here, we report the use of hyperpolarized 13C NMR spectroscopy to detect sudden changes in cardiac metabolism in isolated, perfused rat hearts in response to adrenergic stimulation.

Methods: Metabolism of hyperpolarized [1-(13)C]pyruvate was investigated in perfused rat hearts.