Mass spectral characterization of ergot alkaloids by electrospray ionization, hydrogen/deuterium exchange, and multiple stage mass spectrometry: Usefulness of precursor ion scan experiments.
Six ergot alkaloids belonging to the lysergic acid derivatives (ergonovine (EGN) and methysergide hydrogen maleinate (MHM)) and peptide-type derivatives (ergocristine (EGR), ergotamine (EGT), ergocornine (EGC) and alpha-ergokryptine (EGK)) were studied by positive electrospray tandem mass spectrometry. The fragmentation mechanisms of these compounds were studied by collision-induced dissociation (CID) using triple quadrupole and ion trap mass spectrometers, and the nature of the major product ions further confirmed by hydrogen/deuterium (H/D) exchange experiments. A common abundant product ion at m/z 223 was characteristic of the two classes of ergot alkaloids. Therefore, a precursor ion scan of m/z 223 that triggers information data acquisition (IDA) in combination with CID experiments was used to identify other potential ergot alkaloids. Using this approach, it was possible to confirm the presence of ergosine, another peptide-type ergot alkaloid, in a rye flour extract at trace levels.
Mohamed
Rayane
R
Department of Quality and Safety Assurance, Nestlé Research Center, Nestec Ltd., PO Box 44, Vers-chez-les-Blanc, 1000 Lausanne 26, Switzerland.
Gremaud
Eric
E
Tabet
Jean-Claude
JC
Guy
Philippe A
PA
D003903:Deuterium / Q000737:chemistry*; D004876:Ergot Alkaloids / Q000737:chemistry*; D005433:Flour / Q000032:analysis; D005506:Food Contamination; D015394:Molecular Structure; D012434:Secale / Q000737:chemistry / Q000382:microbiology; D021241:Spectrometry, Mass, Electrospray Ionization / Q000379:methods*; D053719:Tandem Mass Spectrometry / Q000379:methods*
D004876:Ergot Alkaloids; D003903:Deuterium