A method for in vivo assessment of reversible rat pancreatic ischemia using 31P NMR spectroscopy at 2.0 tesla.

A surgical method is described which allows in vivo assessment of reversible rat pancreatic ischemia using 31P NMR spectroscopy at 2.0 T. Phosphorous-31 NMR spectra acquired during the ischemic period show the expected increase in inorganic phosphate with a concomitant decrease in ATP levels and pH as compared to controls. Upon reperfusion, inorganic phosphate and ATP returned to control levels while pH recovered to a more alkaline value. This method provides a means of studying in vivo changes in high energy metabolite associated with acute pancreatitis (AP) and maintains the secretory ability of the gland so that different forms of AP, such as those arising from pancreatic juice edema, can be studied.