Mass spectrometry imaging provides a powerful approach for the direct analysis and spatial visualization of molecules in tissue sections. Using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry, intact protein imaging has been widely investigated for biomarker analysis and diagnosis in a variety of tissue types and diseases. However, blood-rich or highly vascular tissues present a challenge in molecular imaging due to the high ionization efficiency of hemoglobin, which leads to ion suppression of endogenous proteins. Here, we describe a protocol to selectively reduce hemoglobin signal in blood-rich tissues that can easily be integrated into mass spectrometry imaging workflows.
Keywords: MALDI imaging; hemoglobin removal; mass spectrometry imaging; protein imaging; sample preparation; tissue imaging.