ENERGY CATABOLISM IN RABBIT MUSCLE AS AFFECTED BY BRINE INJECTION - P-31 NMR-STUDIES

The energy catabolism in brine-injected muscles was examined by P-31 Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. Immediately after death of rabbits, brines containing NaCl, with or without pyrophosphate, were injected into the arterial system. P-31 NMR spectra at 4 degrees C revealed marked heterogeneity in postmortem catabolism due to brine diffusion. The heterogeneity of the Pi signal for injected muscles reflected the existence of muscle areas with different intracellular pH values. This observation suggested an increase in rate of glycolysis for fibers experiencing brine. The heterogeneity of brine diffusion seemed to be affected by method of injection.