A review of 23Na nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy for the in vitro study of cellular sodium metabolism.

Changes in intracellular sodium have been associated with a number of different diseases. Consequently, various methods have been used to quantify the level of intracellular sodium concentrations. Traditional methods like flame photometry and ion-selective electrodes are destructive or invasive, thereby potentially altering the intracellular sodium levels. There has been an increasing interest in evaluating the method of 23Na nuclear magnetic resonance in recent years, since this method allows for non-invasive continuous monitoring of intracellular sodium in cell suspensions and tissues. A phenomenological approach to basic theory, review of methodology, applications to the in vitro study of cellular sodium metabolism, and difficulties of interpretation of this analytical modality is presented.