3H Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Study of Anaerobic Glycolysis in Packed Erythrocytes

The utility and power of3H NMR spectroscopy as a technique for monitoring biological systems in vivo is illustrated with glucose metabolism in erythrocytes. Use of C-1-tritiated glucose allowed us to monitor the disappearance of the α and β tritons, with the production of lactate and1H3HO (HTO), as well as some intermediates. Spin lattice relaxation times (T1) were measured to avoid T1distortion of the spectral intensities. Detection of the formation of 1 mM tritiated water in the presence of 110 M H2O protons and deuterons allows the eventual fate of the label in the pentose shunt to be observed in vivo.