Protocol development for biological tracer studies.
Improved instrumentation and the increased availability of labeled compounds have democratized the application of isotope-dilution (tracer) methodology in nutrient metabolism. Still, the most challenging aspects of tracer experimentation reside in the steps that precede the measurement of an isotopically labeled tracer, i.e. the design of a suitably labeled tracer and its isolation and purification from complex biological matrices. Construction of useful mathematical models of nutrient dynamics require methodologies that guarantee that the integrity of the tracer is maintained across the entire sampling and analyte isolation protocol. The ability to provide accurate and reliable data highlights a need for analytical chemists to play a central role in these studies. In this regard, examples and discussion of issues relevant to stable-isotope experimentation are provided.
Department of Nutrition, University of California, Davis 95616, USA.
S R
SR
Dueker
A D
AD
Jones
A J
AJ
Clifford
D002247:Carbon Isotopes / Q000032:analysis; D002623:Chemistry Techniques, Analytical / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D002849:Chromatography, Gas; D002851:Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid; D003903:Deuterium / Q000032:analysis; D008401:Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry / Q000295:instrumentation*; D006801:Humans; D007553:Isotope Labeling / Q000191:economics / Q000379:methods*; D007554:Isotopes / Q000032:analysis*; D007700:Kinetics; D014801:Vitamin A / Q000737:chemistry; D019207:beta Carotene / Q000032:analysis
D002247:Carbon Isotopes; D007554:Isotopes; D019207:beta Carotene; D014801:Vitamin A; D003903:Deuterium