Hydrogen ion compartmentation during and following cerebral ischemia evaluated by 31P NMR spectroscopy.

Two peaks were observed in the inorganic phosphate region in 31P NMR spectra obtained during and shortly after incomplete forebrain ischemia induced in rats under normoglycemic conditions. Pre-ischemia, a single Pi peak was observed at a chemical shift of 2.5 ppm (pH 7.2). This peak shifted upfield to 1.6 ppm (pH 6.5) and, following reperfusion, returned to its pre-ischemia value. During ischemia and for a short time following reperfusion, a second, smaller peak was observed which we assigned to a second pool of inorganic phosphate. The data support the proposal by Kraig and coworkers of pH compartmentation between neurons and glia during and following transient forebrain ischemia.