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.