title: Direct Visualization of Neurotransmitters in Rat Brain Slices by Desorption Electrospray Ionization Mass Spectrometry Imaging (DESI - MS).
abstract: Mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) of neurotransmitters has so far been mainly performed by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) where derivatization reagents, deuterated matrix and/or high resolution, or tandem MS have been applied to circumvent problems with interfering ion peaks from matrix and from isobaric species. We herein describe the application of desorption electrospray ionization mass spectrometry imaging (DESI)-MSI in rat brain coronal and sagittal slices for direct spatial monitoring of neurotransmitters and choline with no need of derivatization reagents and/or deuterated materials. The amino acids γ-aminobutyric (GABA), glutamate, aspartate, serine, as well as acetylcholine, dopamine, and choline were successfully imaged using a commercial DESI source coupled to a hybrid quadrupole-Orbitrap mass spectrometer. The spatial distribution of the analyzed compounds in different brain regions was determined. We conclude that the ambient matrix-free DESI-MSI is suitable for neurotransmitter imaging and could be applied in studies that involve evaluation of imbalances in neurotransmitters levels. Graphical Abstract ᅟ.
authors.affiliation: Thomson Mass Spectrometry Laboratory, Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, SP, Brazil. annamabr@yahoo.com.br.
authors.forename: Anna Maria A P
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Fernandes
authors.affiliation: Thomson Mass Spectrometry Laboratory, Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, SP, Brazil.
authors.forename: Pedro H
authors.initials: PH
authors.lastname: Vendramini
authors.affiliation: Instituto de Química, UNICAMP, Campinas, SP, Brazil.
authors.forename: Renan
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Galaverna
authors.affiliation: Thomson Mass Spectrometry Laboratory, Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, SP, Brazil.
authors.forename: Nicolas V
authors.initials: NV
authors.lastname: Schwab
authors.affiliation: Departamento de Física e Química, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil.
authors.forename: Luciane C
authors.initials: LC
authors.lastname: Alberici
authors.affiliation: Departamento de Química, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil.
authors.forename: Rodinei
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Augusti
authors.affiliation: Departamento de Patologia Clínica, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, UNICAMP, Campinas, SP, Brazil.
authors.forename: Roger F
authors.initials: RF
authors.lastname: Castilho
authors.affiliation: Thomson Mass Spectrometry Laboratory, Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, SP, Brazil. eberlin@iqm.unicamp.br.
authors.forename: Marcos N
authors.initials: MN
authors.lastname: Eberlin
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001921:Brain / Q000502:physiology*; D001923:Brain Chemistry; D018377:Neurotransmitter Agents / Q000032:analysis*; D051381:Rats; D021241:Spectrometry, Mass, Electrospray Ionization; D019032:Spectrometry, Mass, Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption-Ionization
chemical_list: D018377:Neurotransmitter Agents
keywords: Desorption electrospray ionization; Mass spectrometry imaging; Neurotransmitters; Rat brain