Phosphorus nuclear magnetic resonance of perfused salivary gland.

Phosphorus nuclear magnetic resonance (31P-NMR) was used for the sequential measurement of phosphorus energy metabolites in perfused canine submandibular gland. Under resting conditions, ATP and creatine phosphate levels were 0.42 +/- 0.11 mM and 0.62 +/- 0.16 mM (mean +/- S.D., in nine glands). When perfusion of the gland was stopped, the tissue contents of ATP and creatine phosphate decreased, that of ADP increased and tissue pH decreased. Restarting perfusion led to recoveries of the tissue content of the phosphorus compounds and tissue pH to normal. Acetylcholine administration induced secretion of saliva, decreased the level of ATP, creatine phosphate and tissue pH, and increased the ADP level.