Cardiac magnetic resonance spectroscopy

The article reviews cardiac magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) in Canada . P-31 MRS has been used to study cardiac energetics and intracellular pH i n hearts subjected to ischemia-reperfusion and to evaluate the effects of p harmacological interventions. Na-23, Rb-87, and Li-7 MRS have provided uniq ue probes to study ion balance and fluxes in intact tissue under normal and stressful physiological conditions. H-1 MRS has been used to monitor the a ccumulation of lactate and lipids in hearts subjected to ischemia-reperfusi on and follow the effects of diet on cardiac lipid levels and function. The isolated rat heart has been used most commonly to study the effects of pha rmacological agents on energy balance, pH, ion fluxes, and contractile func tion of the heart subjected to ischemia-reperfusion. The pig heart has been developed as an alternative to the rodent heart because its metabolism is more similar to that of the human heart. Human atrial appendages have been useful in evaluating the effects of preservation strategies (temperature, c omposition of preservation solutions) on energy levels. The pig heart model has been useful in evaluating the effects of preservation solutions on car diac function of hearts destined for transplantation. An isolated blood-per fused pig heart model has been developed to assess the effects of cardiople gic strategies on the preservation of contractile function of hearts follow ing surgery on the heart. An in vivo canine model has been used to study my ocardial infarction and the effects of therapies to reduce the infarct zone s and areas of the heart at risk of infarction. Studies of human hearts in vivo have provided insight into the metabolic adaptations that occur in ind ividuals living at high altitudes.