Enhanced performance for the analysis of prostaglandins and thromboxanes by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry using a new atmospheric pressure ionization source

J Chromatogr A. 2016 Apr 1:1440:260-265. doi: 10.1016/j.chroma.2016.02.055. Epub 2016 Feb 22.

Abstract

Eicosanoids, including prostaglandins and thromboxanes are lipid mediators synthetized from polyunsaturated fatty acids. They play an important role in cell signaling and are often reported as inflammatory markers. LC-MS/MS is the technique of choice for the analysis of these compounds, often in combination with advanced sample preparation techniques. Here we report a head to head comparison between an electrospray ionization source (ESI) and a new atmospheric pressure ionization source (UniSpray). The performance of both interfaces was evaluated in various matrices such as human plasma, pig colon and mouse colon. The UniSpray source shows an increase in method sensitivity up to a factor 5. Equivalent to better linearity and repeatability on various matrices as well as an increase in signal intensity were observed in comparison to ESI.

Keywords: Eicosanoid; Electrospray; LC–MS/MS; Prostaglandin; Unispray.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Atmospheric Pressure
  • Chemistry Techniques, Analytical / methods*
  • Chemistry Techniques, Analytical / standards*
  • Colon / chemistry
  • Eicosanoids / analysis*
  • Humans
  • Mice
  • Prostaglandins / analysis*
  • Prostaglandins / blood
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Spectrometry, Mass, Electrospray Ionization / standards
  • Swine
  • Tandem Mass Spectrometry*
  • Thromboxanes / analysis*
  • Thromboxanes / blood

Substances

  • Eicosanoids
  • Prostaglandins
  • Thromboxanes