31P NMR studies of adenosine-stimulated ATP synthesis in perfused luteinized ovaries

31P NMR spectroscopy was utilized to study phosphate metabolism of perfused ovaries. In luteinized ovaries, a loss in ATP of approximately 30% with a concomitant acidification was reversed by 50 microM adenosine. The results suggest that in the ovaries, adenosine can serve to regulate ATP concentration during periodic hypoxic challenges.