Fig. 4. Selected metabolic maps and metabolic time dependencies observed in deuterated/protonated pyruvate/glucose chasing studies performed on a PDAC-implanted animal fed ad libitum.

After an initial 5-mg [3,3′,3″-²H₃]-pyruvate injection, lactate is observed spreading throughout the body. A subsequent 18-mg [6,6′]-²H₂-glucose injection elicits a clear lactate signal inside the tumor. After a 1-hour period, the injection of 42 mg of protonated glucose results in a rapid drop in the tumor’s lactate and to a temporary increase in the deuterated glucose arising from the kidney. Dotted vertical lines indicate the instant at which the injections were made. See section S6 for a slightly different but consistent hot/cold chasing experiment.