In vivo and in vitro EPR oximetry with fusinite: a new coal-derived, particulate EPR probe.

The peak-to-peak line width (LW) of the first derivative electron spin resonance (EPR) spectrum of the coal maceral fusinite is reversibly broadened by O2. The extent of broadening per unit of partial pressure of oxygen (pO2) is unusually large, exceeding that of nitroxides by almost two orders of magnitude. This paramagnetic property of fusinite, combined with its very stable physicochemical properties and low toxicity, is shown to be of utility in the measurement of pO2 in vitro and in vivo. Fusinite particles are endocytosed by chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells in vitro; this is useful for intracellular O2 measurements with commercially available EPR spectrometers operating at 9.1-9.3 GHz. For measurement of oxygen in vivo using low frequency EPR (1.1-1.3 GHz), fusinite provides a sensitive and persistent means to measure pO2 in tissues. Particles implanted into the gastrocnemius muscle of A/J mice remained interstitially in the same position for months with undiminished sensitivity to pO2 and no specific toxic effects.