1H-NMR spectroscopy of cerebrospinal fluid of fetal sheep during hypoxia-induced acidemia and recovery.

The purpose of the study was to investigate the sequence of processes occurring during and after hypoxia-induced acidemia. We used proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, which provides an overview of metabolites in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), reflecting neuronal metabolism and damage. The pathophysiological condition of acute fetal asphyxia was mimicked by reducing maternal uterine blood flow in 14 unanesthetized pregnant ewes. CSF metabolites were measured during hypoxia-induced acidemia, and during the following recovery period, including the periods at 24 and 48 h after the hypoxic insult. Maximum values of the following CSF metabolites were reached during severe hypoxia (pH