NOTPME: A31P NMR probe for measurementof divalent cations in biological systems

Abstract

1, 4, 7-Triazacyclononame-N, N′,N′-tris(methylenephosphonate monoethylester) (NOTPME) has been synthesized, characterized and analyzed for use as a 31P NMR indicator of intracellular Mg2+ and Zn2+ ions. The 31P NMR spectrum of this chelate in the presence of metal ions shows characteristics resonances for the free chelate, Mg(NOTPME)−, Zn(NOTPME)− and Ca(NOTPME)−. The K??? values indicate that this chelate has a 10-fold higher affinity for Mg2+ than for Ca2+ at physiological pH values. In the presence of Mg2+, NOTPME is readily loaded into red blood cells. A 31P NMR spectrum of red cells taken after several washing shows resonances characteristics of entrapped NOTPME and the Mg(NOTPME)− complex, the relative areas of which report an intracellular free Mg2+ concentration of 0.32 mM. The 31P chemical shifts of the free chelate and its metal complexes are far downfield from the typical phosphorus-containing metabolites observed in biological systems, thus making it possible to monitor intracellular cation concentration and cell energetics simultaneously