In vivo 31P-NMR studies on energy metabolism in and catecholamine effect on rat liver during hypovolemic shock

In vivo 31P-NMR spectroscopy (31P-MRS) was used to study the metabolism of phosphate compounds in rat liver under various conditions. The changes in hepatic concentrations of ATP and inorganic phosphate (Pi) or intracellular pH (pHi) were monitored during hypovolemic shock with or without the infusion of catecholamines. Rapid decreases in the ATP level and pHi with a concomitant increase of Pi were observed upon induction of the hypovolemic shock. Dopamine infusion markedly improved the liver ATP concentration and intracellular acidosis, but epinephrine or norepinephrine were without effects. The present results suggest that dopamine increases abdominal blood flow and improves the energy metabolism in the liver during hypovolemic shock.