What can be measured with 1H MRS?
Simple 1H MRS experiments will measure the two most plentiful protoncontaining compounds in the body water and lipids. Variations in lipid content are seen in diseases such as muscular dystrophy. In order to observe proton metabolites, the water signal must be suppressed. Some of the biochemicals that can then be seen include Nacetyl aspartate, creatine, carnosine, intra and extra myocellular lipids, and, with some extra work, lactate. Also, the carnosine C2 protons chemical shift can be used to measure intracellular pH. 1H spectra from a frog muscle before and after exercise are shown below.
