title: Capillary liquid chromatography combined with tandem mass spectrometry for the study of neurosteroids and oxysterols in brain.
abstract: Neurosteroids and neurosterols are found in brain at low levels (ng/g-microg/g) against a high background of cholesterol (mg/g). As such their analysis can be challenging. Traditionally, these molecules have been analysed by gas chromatography (GC)-mass spectrometry (MS), however, the absence of molecular ions in GC-MS spectra, even from derivatised molecules, can make the discovery and identification of novel neurosteroids/sterols difficult. To avoid this scenario, liquid chromatography (LC) combined with desorption ionisation methods are employed. In this review we discuss the application of LC-MS and LC-tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) for the identification of neurosteroids/sterols, paying particular attention to the use of low-flow-rate LC to maximise chromatographic and mass spectrometric performance.
authors.affiliation: The School of Pharmacy, University of London, 29-39 Brunswick Square, London WC1N 1AX, UK.
authors.forename: Yuqin
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Wang
authors.forename: William J
authors.initials: WJ
authors.lastname: Griffiths
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002851:Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid; D002853:Chromatography, Liquid; D019075:Electrophoresis, Capillary; D008401:Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry; D006801:Humans; D018377:Neurotransmitter Agents / Q000032:analysis* / Q000378:metabolism; D040901:Proteomics; D013256:Steroids / Q000032:analysis* / Q000378:metabolism; D013261:Sterols / Q000032:analysis* / Q000378:metabolism; D053719:Tandem Mass Spectrometry
chemical_list: D018377:Neurotransmitter Agents; D013256:Steroids; D013261:Sterols