Nuclear Magnetic Resonance of Sodium-23 Linoleate-Water: Basis for an Alternative Interpretation of Sodium-23 Spectra within Cells

The ²³Na spectrum from liquid crystals of sodium linoleate in water has been studied by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) techniques. The integrated intensity of the visible central spectral line was 34-39% of the intensity of a reference sample containing an equal quantity and concentration of ²³Na nuclei. Since satellite signals were clearly demonstrable, the effect reflected a nuclear quadrupolar interaction rather than a splitting of the ²³Na into two populations of bound and free nuclei. It is proposed that a similar quadrupolar effect may be the basis for the apparent binding of the ²³Na observed in biological systems.