An up-to-date, detailed, authoritative overview regarding all aspects of the theory and practice involved in utilizing isotopic tracers for the in vivo study of human metabolic function. Presents specific technical information on performing tracer studies including isotope infusion, analysis and interpretation of data.

Isotopic Tracers in Biology: An Introduction to Tracer Methodology, Third Edition focuses on stable isotopes, structures, composition, and reactions of nitrogen and oxygen, and radioactive tracers. The book first takes a look at atomic nuclei, radioactivity, and the production of radioactive isotopes and radiation characteristics of tracer atoms. Topics include nuclear reactions, general properties of nuclei, radioactivity, target techniques and radiochemistry, and beta and gamma radiations. The text also discusses isotopic assay, radiation hazards, procedures related with sample preparation for radioactive assay, and combustion of labeled materials. The manuscript examines the biochemical, physiological, and medical aspects of tracer methodology, as well as biochemical applications, value of tracer methods for biology, intermediary metabolism, and applications to clinical research. The text also ponders on the isotopes of hydrogen, carbon, oxygen, nitrogen, phosphorus, and sulfur. Concerns include assay of deuterium and tritium, short-lived and heavy stable carbon, and oxygen, nitrogen, sulfur, and phosphorus isotopes. The publication is a dependable reference for readers interested in isotopic tracers.

Methods for studying metabolism. Determination of substrate kinetics. Constant isotope infusion technique. Determination of substrate kinetics. Bolus-injection technique. Determination of substrate oxidation. Bicarbonate kinetics and natural enrichment. Priming the pool. Nonsteady state kinetics. Selection of sites for infusing isotope andj drawing samples. Specific application. Glucose metabolism. Specific application. Urea. Specific application. Fat meltabolism. Amino acids. Whole-body protein turnover. Total body water. Clinical application of stable isotopes. Analytical methods. Instrumentation. Mass spectrometry. Selected ion monitoring. Preparation of samples. Chromatography. Determination of specific radioactivity. Collection of CO2. Isotope ratio mass spectrometry techniques. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry methods. In vivo approaches. Isotopic tracers. Advantages of stable isotopes. Biological effects. Enzymatic effects. Definition of terms. Influence of uptake on calculation of rate of appearance. Influence of pool size and complexity. Net movement of tracer and tracee. Clearance. Stable versus radioisotopes. Single-pool analysis. Bicarbonate recovery. Natural abundance of 13C. Practical consideration of performing recovery studies. Determining NaH13 CO3 infusion rate. Determining VCO2. Theory of priming dose. Priming secondary pools. Steele equation. In vivo assessment of steele equation. Glucose. Effective volume of distribution. Urea. Arterial versus central venous infusion.

In the past few years, the number of applications of tracers for in vivo biomedical studies has greatly increased. New analytical tools at the genetic and protein levels have spurred this growth, opening the door for a deeper understanding of metabolic events. This in turn promises to yield significant advances in the understanding and treatment of human disease. Now fully revised and expanded, Isotope Tracers in Metabolic Research, Second Edition is the established definitive text on stable and radioactive isotope tracers. In unique, multidisciplinary fashion, it presents comprehensive coverage of new methodological, mathematical, and theoretical approaches. This new Second Edition includes: All-new chapters on nuclear magnetic resonance, mass isotopomer analysis, and methods of protein metabolism analysis A completely updated categorized list of over 750 references Major advances in the development of mass isotopomer and positional isotopomer techniques, noninvasive isotope techniques for studying metabolic pathways, hyphenated techniques, and new tracer techniques The latest developments in quantification of DNA synthesis and mass spectrometry spurred by genome sequencing and proteomics New coverage of mathematical modeling Expanded coverage of microdialysis probes, laboratory procedures, and regulatory issues related to human studies In this complete guide to performing tracer studies, the authors systematically cover tracer selection, modeling considerations, sample derivitization, mass spectrometry analysis, and data interpretation. Problems and discussion questions highlight key points in each chapter. Isotope Tracers in Metabolic Research, Second Edition offers students and researchers a comprehensive, practical resource for utilizing the latest tracer methodologies.

Radioactive isotopes and enriched stable isotopes are used widely in medicine, agriculture, industry, and science, where their application allows us to perform many tasks more accurately, more simply, less expensively, and more quickly than would otherwise be possible. Indeed, in many cases--for example, biological tracers--there is no alternative. In a stellar example of "technology transfer" that began before the term was popular, the Department of Energy (DOE) and its predecessors has supported the development and application of isotopes and their transfer to the private sector. The DOE is now at an important crossroads: Isotope production has suffered as support for DOE's laboratories has declined. In response to a DOE request, this book is an intensive examination of isotope production and availability, including the education and training of those who will be needed to sustain the flow of radioactive and stable materials from their sources to the laboratories and medical care facilities in which they are used. Chapters include an examination of enriched stable isotopes; reactor and accelerator-produced radionuclides; partnerships among industries, national laboratories, and universities; and national isotope policy.