Acute intestinal ischemia studies by phosphorus nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy

31P nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy has been used to follow the metabolism of acutely ischemic rat small intestine and its recovery after reversal of ischemia. Loops of small intestine were subjected to occlusive external pressure for up to 60 minutes, followed by a recovery period. The depletion of PCr and ATP is rapid and complete within 20 minutes. Recovery from ischemia is also rapid but with recovery ATP levels lower than initial values after prolonged ischemic periods. Intestinal shock was avoided. Clinical recovery correlated with shorter ischemic periods. 31P NMR spectroscopy thus appears to be a suitable technique for studying the effects of pharmacological agents and other treatments for amelioration of ischemic effects on the bowel.