P-31 NMR spectroscopy was used serially to study rejecting (ACI-->LEW)
and nonrejecting (ACl-->ACl) orthotopic liver transplants in rats. Re
cipients were evaluated on post-transplant days 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, and 11.
The relative changes in phosphomonoester (PME), inorganic phosphate (
P-i), high-energy phosphates and pH were studied. The earliest signifi
cant difference between the rejecting and nonrejecting groups was a de
crease in the alpha-NTP peak area on Day 5. This was followed by signi
ficant decreases in beta-NTP and pH, and increases in PME and P-i on D
ay 7. High-resolution P-31 NMR spectra of perchloric acid extracts dem
onstrated the PME increase to be due mainly to elevated phosphoethanol
amine. Using the parameter (P-i + PME)/(alpha + beta + gamma-NTP), rej
ecting livers were distinguished from nonrejecting livers at a moderat
e stage of rejection.