Noninvasive measurement of the pH inside the gut by using pH-sensitive nitroxides. An in vivo EPR study.

The use of pH-sensitive probes permits the measurement of the proton activity in biological systems by EPR spectroscopy. To illustrate the potential of this technique for in vivo purposes, the authors took advantage of the oral administration of nitroxides to monitor the pH value inside the stomach of mice after administration of different antacidics. The results indicate that EPR can be a valuable tool to characterize the pH in vivo in a continuous and noninvasive way.