An in vivo animal model to study chronic adriamycin cardiotoxicity: a P-31 nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy investigation.

The mechanism responsible for adriamycin induced cardiotoxicity is unknown. We have developed an in vivo rabbit model for use with P-31 nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy which allows serial investigations of the drug's effects on myocardial metabolism. Eleven animals were studied over a 10 week period and changes in intracellular pH and phosphate metabolites were observed. The magnitude of changes in pH and inorganic phosphate were the best indicators of the severity of the cardiomyopathy. The results are consistent with an adriamycin induced degeneration of myofibrils rather than a severe metabolic impairment.