Hyperpolarized ¹³ C MRI Reveals Large Changes in Pyruvate Metabolism During Digestion in Snakes.

ABSTRACT:

Purpose

Hyperpolarized ¹³ C MRI is a powerful technique to study dynamic metabolic processes in vivo; but it has predominantly been used in mammals, mostly humans, pigs, and rodents.

Methods

In the present study, we use this technique to characterize the metabolic fate of hyperpolarized [1-¹³ C]pyruvate in Burmese pythons (Python bivittatus), a large species of constricting snake that exhibits a four- to tenfold rise in metabolism and large growth of the visceral organs within 24-48 h of ingestion of their large meals.

Results

We demonstrate a fivefold elevation of the whole-body lactate-to-pyruvate ratio in digesting snakes, pointing to a large rise in lactate production from pyruvate. Consistent with the well-known metabolic stimulation of dige

SUBMITTER: Hansen K 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9321735 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature