An NMR-based metabolomic approach to assess metabolism in splanchnic tissues of steers

1H NMR spectra were acquired on plasma samples obtained from the mesenteric artery, hepatic portal vein and the hepatic vein of steers (n = 6) to demonstrate a NMR-based metabolomic approach to study splanchnic metabolism. The metabolic differences between the different plasma samples (arterial, portal, hepatic) were examined by partial least square regressions (PLSR) on the obtained spectra. These analyses revealed spectral differences that could be ascribed to changes in the level of propionate, $-hydroxybutyrate, lactate, acetate, n-butyrate and glucose, which was supported by biochemical analyses.