PNNL

Abstract

A high resolution Magic Angle Spinning (hr-MAS) 1H NMR method was developed to directly measure the metabolite spectrum of bone marrow inside unprocessed mouse femur. The method is rapid and involves minimal sample preparation. The utility of this method was demonstrated by applying it to assess the gamma radiation- induced damage to bone marrow in the femurs of mice. Metabolite profiles were different in the middle and end sections of the femur. In particular, the end section contained a higher content of lipids compared to the middle section. The results obtained from both the middle and end sections of femur clearly show that the total choline content, i.e., the sum of choline, phosphocholine and glycerophosphocholine decreased with increasing dose of gamma radiation when dosed groups were compared with control groups 4 days post irradiation. Further, the content of fatty acids also increased with the increasing radiation dose. Eleven days post 3.0 Gy exposure, many of the metabolites showed a trend toward returning to normal control level. The lipid biomarkers responsive to radiation dosage may provide novel targets for medical countermeasures against radiation damage.