Measuring the rapid uptake of 2H in the brain following ingestion of heavy water

Motivation: Analysis of 2H concentration in tissue samples following heavy water (D2O) ingestion is useful for assessing body composition, lipid synthesis and protein turnover. Goal(s): Evaluate the feasibility of using 2H MRI to monitor the rapid uptake of 2H in the brain immediately following ingestion of heavy water. Approach: 3D EPI time series were acquired on three subjects after ingestion of ~100 ml of D2O. Two subjects already had elevated 2H baselines whilst the third started at natural abundance. Results: Similar time-courses of the 2H signal change in cerebrospinal fluid, grey matter and white matter were reliably measured in all subjects. Impact: This study demonstrates the feasibility of using ²H MRI to non-invasively monitor deuterium rapid changes in the distribution of deuterium label in brain tissues. This can support research on lipid synthesis, protein turnover, and other physiological processes with minimal invasiveness.