Metabolic imaging in the anesthetized rat brain using hyperpolarized [1‐13C] pyruvate and [1‐13C] ethyl pyruvate

Abstract

Formulation, polarization, and dissolution conditions were developed to obtain a stable hyperpolarized solution of [1‐¹³C]‐ethyl pyruvate. A maximum tolerated concentration and injection rate were determined, and ¹³C spectroscopic imaging was used to compare the uptake of hyperpolarized [1‐¹³C]‐ethyl pyruvate relative to hyperpolarized [1‐¹³C]‐pyruvate into anesthetized rat brain. Hyperpolarized [1‐¹³C]‐ethyl pyruvate and [1‐¹³C]‐pyruvate metabolic imaging in normal brain is demonstrated and quantified in this feasibility and range‐finding study. Magn Reson Med 63:1137–1143, 2010.