THE 31P NMRINVESTIGATION OF PHOSPHORUS BURNS

PurposeIn order toinvestigate the chemical form and distribution of toxicants absorbed following phophorusburns(PB). MethodsSurface-coil ³¹P NMR was used to study the contents ofphosphorus (P₄) and its metabolites in liver, brain and wounds after PB,Phosphate scald (PS), and subcutaneous injection of phosphorus (SIP). ResultsObvious signof P₄ in the liver but not brain was observed in both dead and survival animalsfollowing SIP. While after PB most P₄ was changed into phosphate, phosphateincreased significantly in the liver and mild in the brain with no sign of P₄after PB and PS. Conclusion The chemical form of main toxicants absorbed was accompanedwith those remained within wounds after PB. Phosphoric acid was fetal cause of phosphoruspoisoning after PB.