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Updated: Jul 13, 2026

Hyperpolarized 13C Metabolic Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy and Imaging
Published on: December 30, 2016
In vivo 13 carbon metabolic imaging at 3T with hyperpolarized 13C-1-pyruvate
S J Kohler1, Y Yen1, J Wolber2
1GE Healthcare, Menlo Park, California, USA.
This study introduces dynamic nuclear polarization (DNP) enhanced (13)C-pyruvate MRI in rats, visualizing metabolic conversion into lactate, alanine, and bicarbonate in vivo. The method reveals metabolite distribution across tissues with high temporal and spatial resolution.
Area of Science:
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging
- Metabolic Imaging
- Hyperpolarized Contrast Agents
Background:
- Dynamic nuclear polarization (DNP) enhances signal for metabolic imaging.
- (13)C-pyruvate is a key substrate for studying cellular metabolism.
- Previous studies had limitations in temporal or spatial resolution.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present the first dynamic spectra and spectroscopic images of hyperpolarized (13)C-pyruvate in rats at 3T.
- To optimize spectroscopic sampling for signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and spectral resolution.
- To investigate the in vivo metabolism and biodistribution of (13)C-pyruvate and its metabolites.
Main Methods:
- Injection of DNP-hyperpolarized (13)C-1-pyruvate into normal rats at 3T.
- Acquisition of dynamic spectra with 3s temporal resolution using a dual (1)H-(13)C coil.
- Spectroscopic imaging of a 20mm axial slice of the rat kidney region with 17s acquisition time.
Main Results:
- Rapid conversion of pyruvate to lactate, alanine, and bicarbonate within 1 minute post-injection.
- Alanine predominantly observed in skeletal muscle and liver.
- Pyruvate, lactate, and bicarbonate showed high concentrations in vasculature and kidneys; bicarbonate also detected in skeletal muscle.
Conclusions:
- DNP-enhanced (13)C-pyruvate MRI provides dynamic metabolic information in vivo.
- The study demonstrates the feasibility of observing pyruvate metabolism and metabolite distribution in rats at 3T.
- Findings offer insights into tissue-specific metabolic pathways and substrate utilization.
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11:57Measuring the Spin-Lattice Relaxation Magnetic Field Dependence of Hyperpolarized [1-13C]pyruvate
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