[Possibilities of phosphorus 31 spectroscopy in assessing the therapeutic effects on cellular energy metabolism of the myocardium].

We present a general review of the literature concerning the role of the 31 P spectroscopy in studying the metabolic effects of drugs like verapamil, chlorpromazin, propranolol, acebutolol, 2-mercaptopropionylglycine, insulin, 2-deoxyglucose, cardioplegic solutions, as well as perfluorocarbon solutions on the energy status of the ischemic myocardium. Using 31 P spectroscopy several important results have been found concerning the changes of the concentration of the high energy phosphates and of the intracellular pH during myocardial ischemia. It is now possible to gain interesting insights into the metabolic effects of different drugs. By using these drugs, changes in the high energy phosphates, as PCr and ATP were attenuated during the myocardial ischemia. A better recovery of the PCr and ATP contents during reperfusion was noted. The myocardial pH changes during ischemia are attenuated compared to controls. A good correlation between the preservation of the high energy phosphates and myocardial pH and the recovery of the ventricular function was described. An in vivo documentation of the mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation is now possible. A short overview is presented about the phosphorylation potential and its prognostic value for various cardiac diseases. The 31 P spectroscopy successfully shifted the research interest towards biochemical processes at the cellular level in the diagnosis and therapy monitoring. It extends our knowledge on the pathophysiology of the myocardium.