Improved estimation of anaplerosis in heart using 13C NMR

A radioactive labeling nuclear magnetic resonance technique has been developed to estimate relative cardiac anaplerosis using [13C] glutamate. The technique is not impaired by isotopic biochemical precursor pyruvic acid sources. Mathematical analysis and physiological pathways involving pyruvate and the citric acid cycle are illustrated. The effects of biochemicals malate-aspartate shuttle are assessed.