Pulse nuclear magnetic resonance measurements of water exchange across the erythrocyte membrane employing a low Mn concentration

Water exchange across the erythrocyte plasma membrane studied by HR-MAS NMR spectroscopy

Water exchange across the plasma membrane of erythrocytes (red blood cells (RBCs)) was studied by means of high-resolution magic angle spinning (HR-MAS) NMR spectroscopy. Under HR-MAS conditions, the centrifugal force causes the splitting of RBC suspensions into a two-phase system composed of a central core of cell free water and an outer layer of tightly packed cells. Water belonging to each of these phases gives rise to two separated resonances. Chemical exchange between them is not detectable on the chemical shift or saturation transfer (ST) NMR time scale because of the physical separation between the phases. When the RBCs are dispersed and immobilized within a matrix made of cross-linked albumin, the splitting into a two-phase system is prevented and a single exchange-averaged peak for water is detected in (1)H HR-MAS NMR spectra. The lineshape of this peak is dependent on transmembrane exchange kinetics, since MAS averages out all the anisotropic magnetic interactions that are responsible for additional line-broadening under conventional liquid conditions. Line-shape analysis according to a two-site exchange model yielded a residence lifetime on the order of about 10 ms (at 37 degrees C) for a water molecule within the intracellular compartment, which is not too far from the generally accepted value of 9.6-14.8 ms.

Measurements of intracellular volumes by 59Co and 2H/1H NMR and their physiological applications

Determination of the intracellular water volumes using NMR spectroscopy was performed using the NMR-visible nuclei: 59Co and 2H or 1H. Accurate measurement of intracellular water in cell suspensions and perfused organs is an important physiological parameter in the context of electrolyte homeostasis and energy metabolism, in particular when these parameters are monitored by non-invasive NMR spectroscopy. Furthermore, repeated or continuous monitoring of intracellular water provided significant insights into the physiology of cardiac muscle and sarcolemmal membrane permeability and integrity.

Measurement of tumor interstitial volume fraction: Method and implication for drug delivery

It is important to evaluate the tumor interstitial volume fraction that is accessible for drug accumulation during the distribution phase in order to determine the potential efficacy of cancer chemotherapy. In this study, we performed simulations of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) signal intensity using a two-compartment tissue model for quantitative analyses of absolute interstitial volume measurements while we experimentally characterized a mouse tumor model with a dual MR contrast-agent method. Previously, consecutive intravenous injections of a strictly intravascular T1 contrast agent followed by an extravasating agent were used as a strategy for the quantification of both relative blood volume (Rel_BV) and relative interstitial volume (Rel_ITST) (Weissleder et al. Eur J Cancer 1998;34:1448-1454; Bogdanov et al. Neoplasia 1991;1:438-435). In the current study, we demonstrate that this approach can be further improved, and that it enables one to accurately evaluate both relative and absolute interstitial volumes. The animal data indicated that a significant difference exists between the absolute interstitial volume fractions of subcutaneously implanted MDA PCa 2b tumor and skeletal muscle tissue (27.5 +/- 9.1% and 15.9 +/- 0.7%, respectively (P < 0.05)), while only a minor difference was found for the absolute blood volumes (Abs_BV) (Kim et al. Magn Reson Med 2002;47:1110-1120) of these tissues.

Suppression of red cell diffusional water permeability by lipophilic solutes

The inhibitory effect of a series of neutral lipophilic solutes (methanol, ethanol, n-propanol, iso-propanol, n-butanol, iso-amylalcohol, n-hexanol, diethylether, nitrobenzene, and pyridine) on the diffusional water permeability (Pd, tot) of bovine erythrocyte membrane at 25 degrees C was studied in comparison to that of p-chloromercuri benzoate (pCMB). Permeability data were obtained by measuring the transmembrane diffusional water exchange time tau(exch) using an 1H-T2 NMR technique. Maximal inhibition by approximately 50% of Pd, tot was produced by 2 mM pCMB which completely blocked the membrane water channels in 20 min, hence suggesting the channel-to-lipid diffusional water permeability ratio of about 1:1. Furthermore, the maximal inhibitory effect of pCMB in combination with the lipophilic solutes was lower than that of pCMB alone. As pCMB does not interfere with the lipid bilayer, and provided that it blocks the water channels in solute presence as well, this confirms that the solutes induce an increase in the lipid-mediated background water permeability contribution (Pd, lipid) by the formation of aqueous leaks in the membrane hydrophobic barrier. However, faster but less efficient in permeability inhibition than pCMB (either alone or combined with solutes) were the lipophilic solutes alone. Taken together, the results indicate that the lipophilic solutes suppress the membrane total permeability Pd, tot by two opposing effects: a reduction of its channel-mediated part (Pd, channel) to the extent exceeding that of a simultaneous Pd, lipid increase. The inhibitory potency of the solutes tested appears to be correlated with their solubility in the membrane medium.

MRI measurement of cell volume fraction in the perfused rat hippocampal slice

T(1)-weighted NMR imaging of the isolated perfused rat hippo-campal slice was used to estimate cell volume fraction. Eight brain slices were studied in artificial cerebrospinal fluid (aCSF) using a 600 MHz narrow bore spectrometer and a home built perfusion chamber. Cell volume fraction was calculated as 1 - f(ECS), where f(ECS) is the distribution volume of gadodiamide in the slice. This was determined by measuring the T(1) of the slice before and after perfusion with gadodiamde. A mean cell volume fraction of 0.66 +/- 0. 04 was estimated. The addition of 60 mM mannitol to three of the brain slices produced a 26% decrease in the cell volume fraction. The technique affords a simple means of estimating cell volume fraction and can be extended to produce images reflecting cell density. Magn Reson Med 42:603-607, 1999.

Nuclear magnetic resonance imaging measurements of water diffusion in the perfused hippocampal slice during N-methyl-D-aspartate-induced excitotoxicity

Significant changes in the apparent diffusion coefficient of water are observed in nuclear magnetic resonance images of patients with acute ischemic stroke. However, the underlying mechanisms of these apparent diffusion coefficient changes are still unresolved. To analyse possible mechanisms, this study applies nuclear magnetic resonance imaging on a 14.1 Tesla narrow-bore magnet to quantitatively study water diffusion in individually perfused brain slices following exposure to N-methyl-D-aspartate excitotoxicity. The results indicate that brain slices have at least two distinct diffusing water compartments with apparent diffusion coefficients of 0.96+/-0.10x10(-3) mm2/s and 0.06+/-0.01x10(-3) mm2/s. When excitotoxicity was induced with N-methyl-D-aspartate, there was a significant decrease in the fraction of the fast diffusing water component in the slices (P<0.001). However, neither apparent diffusion coefficient changed significantly. Prior treatment with dizocilpine maleate (MK-801) depressed the effects of N-methyl-D-aspartate (P<0.01, ANOVA). The results demonstrate brain slice compartmental changes resulting from direct receptor stimulation and provide evidence for tissue water redistribution as an important mechanism for changes in apparent diffusion coefficient seen in clinical magnetic resonance imaging. The brain slice preparation affords a well-controlled method to study the mechanisms of tissue nuclear magnetic resonance contrast, bridging the gap between basic nuclear magnetic resonance studies and clinical magnetic resonance imaging. The brain slice model also offers a new way to test the utility of potential anti-stroke drugs using high field nuclear magnetic resonance imaging.

Relaxation rates of blood with osmotically modified red cell volume: application of the two-compartment fast exchange model

Blood has been considered as a simplified tissue model, both physiologically and physically consisting in two compartments, extra-cellular and intra-cellular. In the physiologic condition (300 mOsm), the relaxation rates of red cell suspensions in saline increased linearly with the hematocrit in the range 0-0.80 according to Fullerton's model of fast proton exchanges between the two compartments (Fullerton GD, Potter JL, Dornbluth NC. NMR relaxation of protons in tissues and other macromolecular water solutions. Magn Reson Imaging 1982; 1:209-228). In experiments of osmotic variations, between 200 and 900 mOsm at three constant red cell numbers in the samples, non-linear variations of relaxation rates with red cell volume were observed. In the hyperosmotic domain, the particularly high increase in blood transverse relaxation rate with the decreasing cell volume has been attributed to the progressive water-protein organization in the cellular compartment. A generalised form of the fast exchange model has been applied to extended experimental conditions of red cells, by introducing the red cell volume ratio of modified to iso-osmotic values, and the volume fraction of iso-osmotic red cells.

Water dynamics in human blood via combined measurements of T2 relaxation and diffusion in the presence of gadolinium

An analytical model of tissue relaxation and restricted diffusion in human blood is presented. The blood tissue model is composed of three different compartments: red blood cells, plasma, and macromolecular protons. The relaxation rate constants and free diffusion coefficients of intracellular and extracellular water may differ. Analytical formulas for signal loss due to relaxation and diffusion in the Carr-Purcell Meiboom-Gill and pulsed-field-gradient multispin echo experiments for this tissue model are derived. The model is fitted to the experimental data for human blood with various concentrations of Gadolinium contrast agent. The obtained model parameters are realistic. The validity and sensitivity of the model are also discussed.

Theory of heterogeneous relaxation in compartmentalized tissues

A new model of compartmentalized relaxation--that which occurs for spins (protons) exchanging between compartments of different relaxation rates--is presented. This model generalizes previous ones by allowing spatially dependent relaxation within compartments. Solutions for the diffusion-Bloch equations are found via an efficient numerical technique known as the generalized moment expansion, and they agree well with the solutions to the standard two-site exchange equations (TSEE) for many typical situations. Specific models are developed for liposomes, red blood cells, capillaries, and arteries with respect to applied contrast agents. A parameter derived from tissue characteristics is introduced to predict the nature of the solutions. A new method is proposed for using contrast agents to detect capillaries, which exploits their high surface-to-volume ratio relative to the other elements of the vasculature.

Biexponential diffusion attenuation in various states of brain tissue: implications for diffusion-weighted imaging

Diffusion-weighted single voxel experiments conducted at b-values up to 1 x 10(4) smm-2 yielded biexponential signal attenuation curves for both normal and ischemic brain. The relative fractions of the rapidly and slowly decaying components (f1, f2) are f1 = 0.80 +/- 0.02, f2 = 0.17 +/- 0.02 in healthy adult rat brain and f1 = 0.90 +/- 0.02, f2 = 0.11 +/- 0.01 in normal neonatal rat brain, whereas the corresponding values for the postmortem situation are f1 = 0.69 +/- 0.02, f2 = 0.33 +/- 0.02. It is demonstrated that the changes in f1 and f2 occur simultaneously to those in the extracellular and intracellular space fractions (fex, f(in)) during: (i) cell swelling after total circulatory arrest, and (ii) the recovery from N-methyl-D-aspartate induced excitotoxic brain edema evoked by MK-801, as measured by changes in the electrical impedance. Possible reasons for the discrepancy between the estimated magnitude components and the physiological values are presented and evaluated. Implications of the biexponential signal attenuation curves for diffusion-weighted imaging experiments are discussed.

Triexponential decomposition of 1H spin-lattice relaxation decay curves of paramagnetically doped red cell suspensions at 7 T

The spin-lattice relaxation behaviour of protons in paramagnetically doped red cell suspensions at two haematocrit levels has been studied using high-field (7 T) inversion recovery data. The resulting relaxation decay curves were found to be best characterized by triexponential functions. The two-site exchange model, generally applied to biexponential relaxation data in calculating red cell water exchange parameters, was applied to the two fastest-relaxing fractions of the triexponential fits. The intracellular to extracellular water exchange rates so obtained were in good agreement with literature values. Additional exchange parameters including intracellular and extracellular water volume fractions and extracellular relaxation rates were also calculated directly from the relaxation data and found to be consistent with sample haematocrits and with independent relaxation rate measurements of the resuspension medium. The small-amplitude, slowly relaxing third component recovered from the triexponential fits of the relaxation data is attributed to intracellular haemoglobin protons.

NMR study of the selective inhibition of water permeability of rat erythrocyte membrane

The inhibition of water diffusion across the rat erythrocyte membrane was studied by NMR using two basically different types of inhibitory agents: PCMB and in vivo irradiation. The contribution of lipid and protein to water permeability revealed the inhibitory effect of each pathway. Internal contamination with tritium (25-115 mGy) reduces water permeability due to protein modifications; for doses higher than 100 mGy the lipid mediated mechanism seems also to be impaired. The same procedure enables one to assess the extent to which the higher water permeability of rat, compared to human, erythrocyte is due to one of the two pathways.

Proton transverse nuclear magnetic relaxation in oxidized blood: a numerical approach

When red blood cells are deoxygenated, hemoglobin, which is then transformed into deoxyhemoglobin or methemoglobin, becomes paramagnetic. The transverse nuclear magnetic relaxation rate of water protons is considerably enhanced by this chemical transformation. A general agreement exists about the origin of the phenomenon--local field inhomogeneities induced by paramagnetic centers randomly distributed within the cell--but the localization of the region that dominates the relaxation is unclear. We addressed this problem with a computer simulation devoted to the determination of transverse magnetic relaxation of water protons in the presence of superparamagnetic MRI contrast agent candidates. The simulation confirms an earlier experimental result that shares equitably the responsibility for the observed relaxation between intracellular and extracellular water.

The magnetic properties and water dynamics of the red blood cell: a study by proton-NMR lineshape analysis

The magnetic properties and water dynamics of human red blood cells were examined by analysis of the water proton spectra of suspensions of oxygenated, deoxygenated, carbon monoxide-treated, and methemoglobin-containing cells at a magnetic field strength of 7.05 T. Total lineshape analysis of spectra from deoxygenated red blood cell suspensions was performed to determine the transmembrane water exchange rate, the contribution of diffusion in local magnetic field gradients to the transverse relaxation rate, and the difference between the intra- and extracellular chemical shifts of water protons. Mathematical models are proposed to account for the dependence of the chemical shifts and linewidths of these spectra on the magnetic susceptibility or density of the cells.

Urea exchange across the human erythrocyte membrane measured using 13C NMR lineshape analysis

The 13C NMR spectrum of 13C-urea in a suspension of human red cells of reduced mean cell volume was observed to contain partially resolved resonances arising from the intra- and extracellular populations of the compound. It was shown that at 25 degrees C and a magnetic field strength of 9.4 T, the rate of exchange of urea between the intra- and extracellular populations was such that the NMR lineshape was sensitive to a change in the rate of 13C-urea exchange, induced either by the addition of the urea transport inhibitor phloretin, or by the addition of 12C-urea. Total lineshape analysis of 13C NMR spectra of 13C-urea in red cell suspensions containing different concentrations of 12C-urea resulted in a weighted mean estimate for the Km and Vmax for urea equilibrium exchange from three experiments of 44 +/- 18 mM and 3.1 +/- 0.6 x 10(-8) mol cm-2 s-1, respectively (the errors denote the weighted mean standard deviations). These estimates of Km and Vmax were significantly lower than previous values reported in the literature and determined using other techniques.

Regional 1H transverse magnetization studies in perfused rabbit kidney

A Carr-Purcell-Meiboom-Gill imaging sequence consisting of 128 echoes is used to extract transverse magnetization decay curves (TDCs) at 1.9 T from 1.7 x 1.7 x 5-mm3 voxels within the cortex, outer medulla, and inner medulla of perfused rabbit kidneys. The spatially localized TDCs within each tissue type are found to be better approximated by biexponential, as opposed to monoexponential, functions. The biexponential parameters characterizing the TDCs demonstrate an improved degree of tissue specificity over that available from monoexponential analyses. The fraction of the quickly relaxing TDC component and the relaxation rate of this component are observed to decrease from cortex to inner medulla. A two-site exchange analysis is used to convert biexponential TDC parameters into water volume fractions and exchange rates. The exchange rates between the fast and slowly relaxing pools increased from cortex to inner medulla. All exchange rates were less than 1.5 Hz, indicating a relatively slow water exchange process. The imaging methods and subsequent analyses offer the potential to generate unconventional MR images with tissue contrast dependent upon water compartmentation and exchange.

In vivo tritium contamination effects on water exchange across the erythrocyte membranes: a nuclear magnetic resonance study

The effects produced by chronic in vivo tritium contamination on the process of water diffusion across the rat erythrocyte membranes were investigated using an NMR relaxation method. As the level of tritium intake increased, an inhibition of the water permeability was observed, reaching values of 40% for corresponding absorbed doses of about 100 mGy. The activation energy of the transport process was also significantly increased, suggesting that the mechanism of the water diffusion across the membrane had changed.

19F NMR study of the interactions of fluoride with superoxide dismutase and hemoglobin in erythrocytes

F- added to an erythrocyte suspension shows two separated resonances arisen from intra and extracellular compartments. Cu, Zn superoxide dismutase dominates the longitudinal relaxation rate of the intracellular F- resonance, while diamagnetic interactions with hemoglobin contribute mainly to the transversal relaxation rate.

The effects of the extracellular manganese concentration and variation of the interpulse delay time in the CPMG sequence on water exchange time across erythrocyte membranes

There has been broad disagreement in the literature regarding the dependence of water exchange times (Te) across erythrocyte membranes studied by the 1H-NMR Carr-Purcell-Meiboom-Gill (CPMG) pulse sequence on extracellular Mn2+ concentration. While some workers saw no change in Te with Mn2+, others reported a 35-50% decrease in Te with this extracellular paramagnetic relaxation agent. We present 1H-NMR evidence that a 30-50% change in Te can be produced by interdependence of the interpulse delay time of the CPMG pulse sequence and the external Mn2+ concentration. Such a large dependency is interpreted in terms of the diffusional effect as a major source. However, it is shown experimentally that if a large number of refocusing pi pulses are used, the observed transverse relaxation times are unaffected by Mn2+. Under these conditions excellent agreement of Te obtained in our study (13.0 +/- 0.64 ms (N = 36) at 21 degrees C) and that of 12.8 +/- 3.6 ms at 20-23 degrees C reported by the radiotracer method was found. Our findings suggest new and important implications for evaluating the previous reports of the 1H-NMR CPMG method concerning the [Mn2+] effect in the decrease of Te, and provide conditions where studies of water transport across erythrocyte membranes using this magnetic resonance method can be used with confidence.

The role of membrane water permeability in characterization of pathologically altered human stomach tissues: NMR studies

Comparative NMR studies of normal and pathologically altered human stomach tissues were performed on the basis of proton T1 relaxation time measurements in the presence of high external concentrations of relaxation (contrast) agents manganese ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (Mn-EDTA) and gadolinium diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (Gd-DTPA). Diffusion permeability of the cell membrane to water, Pd, was determined by measuring the longest proton T1 component sensitive to the exchange of water molecules through the cell membrane. Pathologically altered tissues showed substantially higher (2 to 10 times) average cell membrane permeabilities to water.

High-resolution NMR studies of transmembrane cation transport in uremic patients

Cation transport in erythrocytes of some uremic patients is impaired. Most studies have focused on the defect of the erythrocyte Na+/K+ pump in these diseased states. Herein, this cation transport defect was studied by using nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR) which is a non-invasive method permitting study on living erythrocytes. Firstly, we verified that the Na+ transport defect in uremic erythrocytes was not due to non-specific causes such as membrane alteration or a modification of the intracellular metabolism. The proton relaxation data, determined using a paramagnetic doping method, are consistent with a lack of erythrocytic membrane damage in uremic patients. Also, 31P-NMR results showed that in our experimental conditions, uremic and normal erythrocytes exhibit similar variations of ATP level over time. Lastly, the use of anionic paramagnetic shift reagent in 23Na-NMR revealed a defect in the Na+/K+ pump of erythrocytes from uremic patients with high Nain concentration. This defect seems to be due to a reduced number of pump units and to the presence of an endogenous inhibitor in uremic plasma.

On measuring the diffusional water permeability of human red blood cells and ghosts by nuclear magnetic resonance

The characteristics of water diffusional permeability (P) of human red blood cells were studied on isolated erythrocytes and ghosts by a doping nuclear magnetic resonance technique. In contrast to all previous investigations, systematic measurements were performed on blood samples obtained from a large group of donors. The mean values of P ranged from 2.2 X 10(-3) cm.s-1 at 5 degrees C to 8.1 X 10(-3) cm.s-1 at 42 degrees C. The reasons for some of the discrepancies in the permeability coefficients reported by various authors were found. In order to estimate the basal permeability, the maximal inhibition of water diffusion was induced by exposure of red blood cells to p-chloromercuribenzenesulfonate (PCMBS) under various conditions (concentration, duration, temperature). The lowest values of P were around 1.3 X 10(-3) cm.s-1 at 20 degrees C, 1.6 X 10(-3) cm.s-1 at 25 degrees C, 1.9 X 10(-3) cm.s-1 at 30 degrees C and 3.2 X 10(-3) cm.s-1 at 37 degrees C. The results reported here represent the largest series of determinations of water diffusional permeability of human red blood cells (without or with exposure to mercurials) available in the literature, and consequently the best estimates of the characteristics of this transport process. The values of P can be taken as references for the studies of water permeability in various cells or in pathological conditions.

Determination of extracellular/intracellular fluid ratios from magnetic resonance images: accuracy, feasibility, and implementation

This study determines the accuracy and feasibility of using localized spin-lattice (T1) relaxation time measurements from magnetic resonance (MR) images to follow changes in extracellular/intracellular fluid ratios in defined subvolumes of living tissue. A red blood cell suspension was used as a test system and a simple two-compartment model incorporating fast exchange was found to suffice for the conversion of T1 values to volume ratios. The technique requires the addition of gadolinium-DTPA to the model system to selectively enhance relaxation in the extracellular fluid space. No detectable amount of gadolinium-DTPA was found to enter the intracellular fluid space, and all magnetization decay plots obtained from both intracellular constituents and complete RBC suspensions consisted of a single exponential. Both of these results are compatible with assumptions underlying our physical model. The NMR-determined fluid ratio values were compared to those measured via the microhematocrit technique. Partial saturation image-mode determinations are strongly correlated to microhematocrit data (R2 = 0.945) and indicate that localized cell volume changes may be followed with a sensitivity of +/- 2.2%. These values compare favorably with those produced when nonimaging inversion-recovery techniques are used to determine the MR hematocrit (R2 = 0.962, sensitivity = +/- 1.1%). This technique, with modification, should be applicable to the comparison of ratios of extracellular/intracellular fluid volumes in structurally complex tissues where small subvolumes of homogeneous cell structure could be examined.

Compatibility of the two-site exchange model and 1H NMR relaxation rates

We demonstrate a formalism for determining whether 1H longitudinal and transverse magnetic relaxation decay curves are compatible with a model of proton exchange between two sites with inherently different relaxation rates. We apply the method to published data in which both decay curves have been fit to normalized biexponential functions, a prediction of the simplest two-site exchange model. The analysis is applied to relaxation data of adsorbed water vapor on silica gel (J.R. Zimmerman and J.A. Lasater, J. Phys. Chem. 62, 1157 (1958] and to relaxation data reported in mycelia of Botrytis cinerea Persoon and pupae of the tobacco cutworm (M. Yoshida and K. Nose, Agric. Biol. Chem. 51, 3399 (1987]. Exchange parameters are calculated form these data sets and the compatibility of the two-site exchange model with the data is discussed for each case. The sensitivity of the calculated exchange parameters to errors in the bioexponential fitting parameters is treated in some detail.

Proton NMR study of the state of water in fibrin gels, plasma, and blood clots

A proton NMR relaxation and pulsed field gradient self-diffusion study of water in fibrin gels, plasma, and blood clots has been performed with special emphasis on the effect of the sol-gel and shrinkage transitions. Deuteron NMR in fibrin gels was also studied to supplement the proton data. It is shown that a measurement of the water proton or deuteron T1/T2 ratio allows for a determination of the bound water fraction in all these systems. The change in the T1/T2 ratio at the shrinkage transition further allows for a determination of the surface fractal dimension of the gel if the change in the volume of the gel is known. The self-diffusion coefficient of water in these systems, which determines the transport properties of the gel, is found to be proportional to the free water fraction in both the nonshrunken and shrunken state.

Intraerythrocytic water relaxation rates in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. An NMR investigation

Water relaxation rates 1/T2 in erythrocytes from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients were studied by NMR. The spin-spin relaxation time of water protons in erythrocyte suspension was measured in the presence of a paramagnetic reagent which did not enter the cell. Our results show that red blood cell membranes exhibit a diminished water permeability in some ALS patients. Moreover, the activation energy value of water is lower in ALS patients than in healthy controls.

The effect of gadolinium DTPA on tissue water compartments in slow- and fast-twitch rabbit muscles

Proton T2 relaxation and its biexponential components have been determined in rabbit skeletal muscle in the presence and absence of GdDTPA. The effect of GdDTPA, which distributes only in the extracellular space, was greatest in the longer-relaxing T2 component (T22). A 27% reduction in T22 was measured for slow-twitch (red) muscle and 17% for fast-twitch (white) muscle, consistent with the larger extracellular space of the former. Magnetic resonance images demonstrated apparent contrast between red and white rabbit muscles. This contrast was instantaneously enhanced by administration of GdDTPA and returned to near normal levels after approximately 30 min. These functional changes in tissue contrast are consistent with differences in blood perfusion and biological water compartmentation between fast- and slow-twitch skeletal muscles.

NMR study of water exchange across the hepatocyte membrane

An understanding of the cellular permeability for water is needed to evaluate MR images of complex tissues, such as liver, and to interpret the effects of contrast agents. To obtain data essential for such an understanding we measured water exchange across the isolated rodent hepatocyte membrane by proton NMR relaxation with dextranmagnetite as a relaxation agent. The results are treated as water exchange in a two-compartment system, and possible reasons for deviations from that behavior are analyzed. The mean residence time of intracellular water was approximately 40 ms at 37 degrees C. We found the lower limit for the diffusional permeability of the hepatocyte membrane to be 8 x 10(-3) cm s-1. These results, combined with consideration of hepatic anatomy indicate that the failure to observe effects on the T1 of liver from particulate contrast agents such as magnetite, Gd-starch, and liposome encapsulated Mn2+ is due to the localization of these agents in the Kupffer cells. Also, the nonexponential T1 decay observed in normal liver is unlikely to be due to slow exchange of water between compartments.

Reduced water exchange in sickle cell anemia red cells: a membrane abnormality

We have measured the diffusional water permeability of sickle cell anemia red blood cells under isotonic conditions using pulsed nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) techniques. We have found that the equilibrium diffusional permeability for sickle cells is about 1.61.10(-3) cm/s, or about 60% of the value measured for normal cells. This abnormality is not related to the heterogeneity generally found in cell populations in sickle red cells with different mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentrations. We speculate that the abnormality of water exchange under isotonic conditions in sickle cells reflects an alteration of membrane proteins responsible for water exchange, possibly caused by oxidation of Band 3 proteins.

Water exchange through erythrocyte membranes: biochemical and nuclear magnetic resonance studies re-evaluating the effects of sulfhydryl reagents and of proteolytic enzymes on human membranes

The water permeability of human red blood cell (RBC) membrane has been monitored by a doping nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) technique on intact cells and resealed ghosts following exposure to various sulfhydryl-reacting (SH) reagents and proteolytic enzymes. The main conclusions are the following: (i) When appropriate conditions for exposure of erythrocytes or ghosts to mercury-containing SH reagents (concentration, temperature and duration of incubation) were found, the maximal inhibition of water diffusion could be obtained with all mercurials (including HgCl2 and mersalyl that failed to show their inhibitory action on RBC water permeability in some investigations). While previous studies claimed that long incubation times are required for the development of maximal inhibition of water diffusion by mercurials, the present results show that it can be induced in a much shorter time (5-15 min at 37 degrees C) if relatively high concentrations of PCMBS (2-4 mM) are used and no washings of the inhibitor are performed after incubation. Higher than optimal concentrations of mercurials and/or longer incubation times result in lower values of inhibition, sometimes a loss of inhibition, or can even lead to higher values of permeability compared to control RBCs. (ii) The conditions for inhibition by mercurials are drastically changed by preincubation of erythrocytes with noninhibitory SH reagents (such as NEM or IAM) or by exposure to proteolytic enzymes. If the cells are digested with papain, the duration of incubation with PCMBS should be decreased in order for inhibition to occur. This explains the lack of inhibition reported previously, when a relatively long duration of incubation with PCMBS was used subsequent to papain digestion.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

A review of water diffusion measurement by NMR in human red blood cells

This review of water transport measurement in normal human erythrocytes attempts to harmonize discordant results obtained under diverse study conditions with two different techniques: nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and radioactive tracer (THO) diffusion. Natural aggregation of red cells into rouleaux appeared to cause most of the variation among results from NMR experiments. The remainder of the discrepancy was attributed to the use of inappropriate mathematical approximations of the two-site exchange equations, differences in blood storage time, and failure to adjust NMR calculations for the nonwater protons. Differences in hematocrit, frequency-magnetic field strength, or NMR pulse technique played no apparent role in the disparity among NMR reports. When these confounding factors were removed, diffusion results obtained by NMR or by influx or bulk diffusion of radioactive tracer agreed within a relatively narrow range of values. These techniques place the mean lifetime of water inside fresh normal human erythrocytes at room temperature (20-25 degrees C) between the extremes of 9.8 and 14 ms, where the uncorrected range was previously 9.8-21.7 ms. This new range of water exchange times corresponds to a range of diffusional permeability between 3.3 and 4.7 x 10(-3) cm/s.

NMR pulse relaxation studies on the normal aging and cataractous lens

Proton NMR pulse relaxation experiments have been performed in this and other laboratories mainly on animal lenses and some human lenses. In order to evaluate T1 and T2 analyses as a potentially useful (non-invasive) parameter in delineating lenticular changes in normal aging human rabbit lenses, and in human cataracts, we performed a series of pulse relaxation studies on human eye bank lenses 10 to 93 yr of age, on fresh intact human cataracts and on normal rabbit lenses. Additional spectroscopic studies (fluorescence and 31P-NMR) were also performed on the lenses in order to correlate these parameters with the data relating to 'water phases' in the lens. These experiments demonstrate a potential additional parameter for evaluating 'molecular' changes in the aging and cataractous lens.

Two-site exchange revisited: a new method for extracting exchange parameters in biological systems

A new analysis is presented which links real volume fractions, relaxation rates, and intracompartmental exchange rates directly with apparent volume fractions and relaxation rates obtained from biexponential fits of transverse magnetization decay curves. The analysis differs from previous methods in that measurements from two paramagnetic doping levels are used to close the two-site exchange equations. Both the new method and one previously described by Herbst and Goldstein (HG) have been applied to paramagnetically doped whole-blood data sets. Significant differences in the calculated exchange parameters are found between the two methods. A small dependence of the intracellular relaxation rate on extracellular paramagnetic agent concentration, assumed nonexistent with the HG method, is inferred from the new analysis. The analysis was also applied to published data on perfused rat hearts, and we obtained a limited assessment of two-site exchange in this system.

Diffusive water permeability in isolated kidney proximal tubular cells: nature of the cellular water pathways

The diffusive water permeability (Pd) of the plasma membrane of proximal kidney tubule cells was measured using a 1H-NMR technique. The values obtained for the exchange time (Tex) across the membrane were independent of the cytocrit and of the Mn2+ concentration (in the range 2.5 to 5 mM). At 25 degrees C the calculated Pd value was (per cm2 of outer surface area without taking into account membrane invaginations) 197 +/- 17 microns/sec. This value equals 22.3 +/- 1.9 microns/sec when the invaginations are taken into account. Cell exposure to 2.5 mM parachloromercuribenzenesulfonic acid, pCMBS, (for 20 to 35 min) reduced Pd to 45% of its control value. Five mM dithiothreitol, DTT, reverted this effect. The activation energy for the diffusive water flux was 5.2 +/- 1.0 kcal/mol under control conditions. It increased to 9.1 +/- 2.2 kcal/mol in the presence of 2.5 mM pCMBS. Using our previous values for the osmotic water permeability (Pos) in proximal straight tubular cells the Pos/Pd ratio equals 18 +/- 1, under control conditions, and 3.2 +/- 0.3 in the presence of pCMBS. These experimental results indicate the presence of pathways for water, formed by proteins, crossing these membranes, which are closed by pCMBS. Assuming laminar flow (within the pore), from Pos/Pd of 13 to 18 an unreasonably large pore radius of 12 to 15 A is calculated which would not hinder cell entry of known extracellular markers. Alternatively, for a single-file pore, 11 to 20 would be the number of water molecules which would be in tandem inside the pore.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Transverse relaxation of saline and plasma using Mn(II), HSA-EDTA-Mn, and HSA-EDTA-Gd: application to erythrocyte water exchange

Enhancements of 1H nuclear magnetic transverse relaxation rates by Mn(II)- and Gd(III)-ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA)-human serum albumin (HSA) complexes are compared with MnCl2 in human plasma and isotonic saline. HSA-EDTA-Mn and HSA-EDTA-Gd in saline, at physiological concentrations of HSA, afforded T2's comparable to 2 mM MnCl2 in 4% HSA saline. The above reagents are new and potentially useful relaxation agents for the measurement of H2O exchange rates in erythrocyte suspensions. The exchange rate of water across the red cell membrane was determined using these new reagents over the temperature range from 20 to 37 degrees C.

NMR investigation of hydroxyethyl starch-induced aggregation of human erythrocytes

Aggregation of human erythrocytes at physiological hematocrit by hydroxyethyl starch (HES) was investigated with a 1H nuclear magnetic resonance method which measures the erythrocyte mean water exchange time, tau a. A relationship that takes into account the effect of the aggregate as the water-exchanging unit was used to transform tau a values into the number of cells per aggregate, n. The procedure permits the determination of the time course of aggregation as well as its initial and equilibrium status. The values of n at equilibrium range from about 2 to 4 cells over the concentration of 1 to 5% HES in isotonic saline. The aggregation of erythrocytes in the presence of HES was found to follow first-order kinetics. The feasibility of this technique for application in the study of diseased states is indicated.

NMR measurement of intracellular water volume in rat kidney proximal tubules

Knowledge of cell water volume is essential for the measurement of concentrations of intracellular ions and metabolites in kidney proximal tubules. We have developed a method which utilizes 35Cl-NMR as a measure of extracellular volume and 2H-NMR, in combination with a membrane-impermeable shift-reagent [Dy-DTPA]2-, as a measure of the ratio of intra- and extracellular water volumes. Measurement of extracellular volume by 35Cl-NMR is possible, since the resonance of intracellular 35Cl is too broad to be detectable in kidney cells. The 2H-NMR measurement exploits the fact that only extracellular water is in direct contact with [Dy-DTPA]2-. However, rapid exchange of water across the cell membrane results in only a single 2H2O resonance at a chemical shift which is a weighted average of the shifted extra- and unshifted intracellular water resonances. Expression of the extracellular volume as a fraction of the total volume by fCl and as a fraction of the total water-volume by fD, permits the calculation of the fractional cell-water content fw = [(1/fD)-1]/[(1/fCl)-1]. This approach was applied to proximal tubular suspensions prepared from the rat kidney. The water content was found to be 76.9 +/- 1.8% (n = 6) at 37 degrees C. Increasing extracellular osmolality from 295 to 390 mOsm/kg H2O, by addition of mannitol, decreased the water content by 21%. Our results are in good agreement with those obtained by the gravimetric method.

Decreased water permeability of erythrocyte membranes in patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy

The water proton relaxation times of erythrocytes (T'2a) from 15 Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) patients and age-matched controls have been determined by a pulse nuclear magnetic resonance technique. Statistically significant higher values of T'2a were noted for the DMD erythrocytes, both in the presence or absence of p-chloromercuribenzene sulfonate, a potent inhibitor of water diffusion through erythrocyte membrane. As the values of T'2a are inversely related to the water permeability, the results indicate a decreased permeability of erythrocyte membrane in DMD. The findings are discussed in relation to the molecular mechanisms of water diffusion across erythrocyte membrane and in regard to the general problem of membrane abnormalities in DMD.