Assessment of high-energy phosphorus compounds in the rat kidney by in situ 31P nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy: effect of ischemia and furosemide.

31P nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy of the in situ rat kidney was performed by a surface coil method, and the effects of ischemia and furosemide infusion were assessed. 31P NMR spectra of the kidney subjected to 30 min of ischemia returned completely to the pre-ischemic level after 60 min of reperfusion. But the 31P NMR spectra after 60 min of ischemia did not recover, even after 120 min of reperfusion. Levels of beta-ATP and inorganic phosphate (Pi) decreased and the chemical shift of Pi increased after intravenous infusion of furosemide. This increase in chemical shift might signal an alkalotic change in intracellular pH. Furosemide infusion prior to ischemia is thought to protect the kidney from injury induced by 60 min of warm ischemia. The chemical shift of Pi returned to the pre-ischemic level earlier than beta-ATP and Pi. In conclusion, according to the findings of 31P NMR spectroscopy, furosemide infusion prior to ischemia may be effective in protecting the kidney against ischemic injury. But the change in Pi peak and the causes of the dissociation of Pi and beta-ATP should be examined further.