Analysis of brain metabolism changes induced by acute potassium cyanide intoxication by 31P NMR in vivo using...

Chronic implantation of surface coils on the skull has been developed to record 31P NMR spectra of the brain in unanesthetized rats. Intraperitoneal sublethal potassium cyanide doses induce strong and reversible changes in high-energy phosphate compounds in the brain, similar in part to those induced by ischemia. These effects are dose-dependent as far as phosphocreatine, inorganic orthophosphates and pH are concerned; ATP does not seem to be altered by KCN doses ranging from 3 to 5 mg/kg but starts decreasing at a dose of 6 mg/kg. The fraction of Mg2+ complexed ATP which could be estimated as about 90% was not affected by KCN intoxication. For high doses (6 mg/kg) a new peak, appearing on the upfield side of the inorganic phosphate peak, may correspond to an acidic compartment, the significance of which is discussed.