31P-Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy of rat pituitary tumours in vivo

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Abstract
31P-Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectra were obtained in the living rat from 19 implanted prolactin-secreted pituitary tumours. Seven major peaks were found including those arising from the high energy phosphorus metabolites ATP and phosphocreatine. Intracellular pH of the tumours was measured and a relationship with prolactin secretion was observed, the highest plasma prolactin concentrations being associated with an intracellular pH >7·18. Repeated NMR measurements in three tumours over periods of up to 21 days revealed progressive changes with age, shown by an increase in inorganic phosphate, a decrease in high energy phosphorus metabolites and a decrease in prolactin secretion. It is concluded that NMR spectroscopy provides a useful method of studying intracellular events which accompany hormone secretion in vivo. J. Endocr. (1985) 106, 349–353