Fragmentation pattern of underivatised xylo-oligosaccharides and their alditol derivatives by electrospray tandem mass spectrometry

Maltopentaose and olive pulp xylo-oligosaccharides and the correspondent alditol derivatives were analysed by ESI-MS and ESI-MS/MS. The ESI-MS spectrum of maltopentaose and maltopentaose alditols showed [M+Na]⁺and [M+H]⁺ ions. ESI-MS spectrum of xylo-oligosaccharides and their alditols showed [M+Na]⁺of neutral (Xyl_3–6) and acidic (Xyl_2–3MeGlcA and Xyl_2–3GlcA) xylo-oligosaccharides. The ESI-MS/MS spectra of maltopentaose and underivatised xylo-oligosaccharides presented fragments of glycosidic cleavages attributed to B/Z and C/Y ions. On the other hand, MS/MS spectra of the correspondent alditols showed glycosidic cleavages unambiguously identified as B-type and Y-type ions. Y-type fragment ions showed higher abundance in the MS/MS spectra of the alditol derivatives when compared to the non-reduced samples. The study of the oligoxylosyl alditols fragmentation permits to distinguish fragmentation pathways that occur both from the reducing end and from the non-reducing end of the xylan chain, allowing to obtain more information about the localization of the acidic substituent along the glucuronoxylan backbone.     

Mode of action of glycoside hydrolase family 5 glucuronoxylan xylanohydrolase from Erwinia chrysanthemi

The mode of action of xylanase A from a phytopathogenic bacterium, Erwinia chrysanthemi, classified in glycoside hydrolase family 5, was investigated on xylooligosaccharides and polysaccharides using TLC, MALDI-TOF MS and enzyme treatment with exoglycosidases. The hydrolytic action of xylanase A was found to be absolutely dependent on the presence of 4-O-methyl-D-glucuronosyl (MeGlcA) side residues in both oligosaccharides and polysaccharides. Neutral linear beta-1,4-xylooligosaccharides and esterified aldouronic acids were resistant towards enzymatic action. Aldouronic acids of the structure MeGlcA(3)Xyl(3) (aldotetraouronic acid), MeGlcA(3)Xyl(4) (aldopentaouronic acid) and MeGlcA(3)Xyl(5) (aldohexaouronic acid) were cleaved with the enzyme to give xylose from the reducing end and products shorter by one xylopyranosyl residue: MeGlcA(2)Xyl(2), MeGlcA(2)Xyl(3) and MeGlcA(2)Xyl(4). As a rule, the enzyme attacked the second glycosidic linkage following the MeGlcA branch towards the reducing end. Depending on the distribution of MeGlcA residues on the glucuronoxylan main chain, the enzyme generated series of shorter and longer aldouronic acids of backbone polymerization degree 3-14, in which the MeGlcA is linked exclusively to the second xylopyranosyl residue from the reducing end. Upon incubation with beta-xylosidase, all acidic hydrolysis products of acidic oligosaccharides and hardwood glucuronoxylans were converted to aldotriouronic acid, MeGlcA(2)Xyl(2). In agreement with this mode of action, xylose and unsubstituted oligosaccharides were essentially absent in the hydrolysates. The E. chrysanthemi xylanase A thus appears to be an excellent biocatalyst for the production of large acidic oligosaccharides from glucuronoxylans as well as an invaluable tool for determination of the distribution of MeGlcA residues along the main chain of this major plant hemicellulose.     

Metal complexes of the mycotoxins sporidesmin A and gliotoxin, investigated by electrospray ionisation mass spectrometry.

The mycotoxin sporidesmin A (spdA), responsible for the intoxication of animals, causing facial eczema, has been investigated by electrospray ionisation mass spectrometry. Protonated [spdA+H](+) and deprotonated [spdA-H](-) ions are observed in positive and negative ion modes respectively. Reduced spdA, formed by cleavage of the disulfide bond by Na[BH(4)] gives an ion [spdA+H](-), and forms ions of the type [2spdA+M](2-) with a range of divalent metal ions M(2+)=Zn(2+), Cd(2+), Hg(2+), Sn(2+) and Fe(2+). Sodium-containing analogues [2spdA+M+Na](-) are observed, particularly at high cone voltages, where they are stable towards cone voltage-induced fragmentation, indicating appreciable stability of the (spdA)(2)M system. A competition experiment between Cd(2+) and Zn(2+) demonstrates that reduced spdA has a higher affinity for Cd(2+) ions. The related gliotoxin (gtx) forms analogous [2gtx+M](2-) and [2gtx+M+Na](-) ions. The reduction and metal complexation of spdA can be monitored by (1)H NMR spectroscopy, and results in chemical shift changes for those protons adjacent to the sulfur atoms. The isolation of a polymeric cadmium-spdA complex is also reported.     

Simultaneous determination of asperosaponin VI and its active metabolite hederagenin in rat plasma by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry with positive/negative ion-switching electrospray ionization and its application in pharmacokinetic study

A new liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method operated in the positive/negative electrospray ionization (ESI) switching mode has been developed and validated for the simultaneous determination of asperosaponin VI and its active metabolite hederagenin in rat plasma. After addition of internal standards diazepam (for asperosaponin VI) and glycyrrhetic acid (for hederagenin), the plasma sample was deproteinized with acetonitrile, and separated on a reversed phase C18 column with a mobile phase of methanol (solvent A)-0.05% glacial acetic acid containing 10 mM ammonium acetate and 30 μM sodium acetate (solvent B) using gradient elution. The detection of target compounds was done in multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode using a tandem mass spectrometry equipped with positive/negative ion-switching ESI source. At the first segment, the MRM detection was operated in the positive ESI mode using the transitions of m/z 951.5 ([M+Na](+))→347.1 for asperosaponin VI and m/z 285.1 ([M+H](+))→193.1 for diazepam for 4 min, then switched to the negative ESI mode using the transitions of m/z 471.3 ([M-H](-))→471.3 for hederagenin and m/z 469.4 ([M-H](-))→425.4 for glycyrrhetic acid, respectively. The sodiated molecular ion [M+Na](+) at m/z 951.5 was selected as the precursor ion for asperosaponin VI, since it provided better sensitivity compared to the deprotonated and protonated molecular ions. Sodium acetate was added to the mobile phase to make sure that abundant amount of the sodiated molecular ion of asperosaponin VI could be produced, and more stable and intensive mass response of the product ion could be obtained. For the detection of hederagenin, since all of the mass responses of the fragment ions were very weak, the deprotonated molecular ion [M-H](-)m/z 471.3 was employed as both the precursor ion and the product ion. But the collision energy was still used for the MRM, in order to eliminate the influences induced by the interference substances from the rat plasma. The validated method was successfully applied to study the pharmacokinetics of asperosaponin VI and its active metabolite hederagenin in rat plasma after oral administration of asperosaponin VI at a dose of 90 mg/kg.     

Analysis of medium-chain acyl-coenzyme A esters in mouse tissues by liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization mass spectrometry

Medium-chain acyl-coenzyme A (CoA) esters are key metabolites in lipid metabolism. Liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization mass spectrometry analysis of medium-chain acyl-CoA esters is described. Eight medium-chain acyl-CoA esters were well separated on a C(8)-MS reversed-phase column using a linear gradient of ammonium acetate buffer (pH 5.3)-acetonitrile. The positive-ion mass spectra of all the saturated and unsaturated medium-chain acyl-CoA esters gave dominant [M+H](+) ions, whereas their negative-ion mass spectra showed abundant [M-H](-) and [M-2H](2-) ions. The positive-ion mode of operation was slightly less sensitive than the negative-ion detection mode. Five medium-chain acyl-CoA esters of C(6:0), C(8:0), C(8:1), C(10:0), and C(10:1) in liver, heart, kidney, and brain from the mouse were identified. The predominant acyl-CoA peaks were C(6:0), C(8:0), and C(10:0). Small amounts of medium-chain acyl-CoAs of C(8:1) and C(10:1) were detected only in heart and kidney. The analytical method is very useful for the analysis of medium-chain acyl-CoA esters in the tissues.     

Fingerprinting of large oligosaccharides linked to ceramide by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry: highly heterogeneous polyglycosylceramides of human erythrocytes with receptor activity for Helicobacter pylori.

Highly microheterogeneous polyglycosylceramides (PGCs) of human erythrocytes with an average composition of about 25 monosaccharides linked to ceramide were analyzed by matrix-assisted laser desorption-ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS). The human gastric pathogen Helicobacter pylori was earlier shown to bind this glycosphingolipid mixture by thin-layer chromatogram binding assay. The receptor activity was present along the whole nonresolved chromatographic interval. Mass spectra of intact PGCs were compared with corresponding spectra of oligosaccharides enzymatically released from the ceramides. Two subfractions of PGCs containing less than one and more than one sialic acid residue per molecule were used. MALDI-MS spectra were recorded in both linear and reflectron mode with the accuracies of 相似文献   

Rapid characterization and identification of steroidal alkaloids in Sarcococca coriacea using liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray ionization quadropole time-of-flight mass spectrometry

Rapid characterization of 23 pregnane-type steroidal alkaloids was studied using a positive ion electrospray ionization quadropole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (ESI-QqTOF-MS/MS) hybrid instrument. ESI-QqTOF-MS (positive ion mode) showed the presence of the protonated molecules [M+H](+) which through low-energy collision-induced dissociation tandem mass spectrometric (CID-MS/MS) analysis showed the characteristic loss of dimethylamine moiety [M+H-45](+) followed by the sequential lossess of attached substituents. Steroidal alkaloids having tigloyl or senecioyl group at C-3 produced diagnostic fragment ions at m/z 100 and 83. Our study also demonstrates the influence of unsaturation, and number and nature of substitutents on product ion abundance and fragment ions. Moreover, the generalization of the fragmentation pattern was linked with the structural features in steroidal skeleton. This strategy was successfully applied in LC-ESI-QqTOF-MS/MS analysis of Sarcococca coriacea extract to investigate and characterize pregnane-type steroidal alkaloids in complex mixture.     

Collisionally induced dissociation of epoxyeicosatrienoic acids and epoxyeicosatrienoic acid-phospholipid molecular species.

Four isomers of epoxyeicosatrienoic acid (EET) can be formed by cytochrome P-450 oxidation of arachidonic acid: 5,6-, 8,9-, 11,12-, and 14,15-epoxyeicosatrienoic acid. The collision-induced dissociation of the [M-H]- anion at m/z 319 from each of these isomers, using negative-ion fast atom bombardment ionization and a triple quadrupole mass spectrometer, resulted in a series of common ions as well as ions characteristic of each isomer. The common ions were m/z 301 [M-H2O]- and 257 [M-(H2O + CO2)]-. Unique ions resulted from cleavages alpha to the epoxide moiety to form either conjugated carbanions or aldehydes. Mechanisms involving charge site transfer are suggested for the origin of these ions. A distonic ion series that may involve a charge-remote fragmentation mechanism was also observed. The epoxyeicosatrienoic acids were also incorporated into cellular phospholipids following incubation of the free acid with murine mast cells in culture. Negative fast atom bombardment mass spectrometry of purified glycerophosphoethanolamine-EET species and glycerophosphocholine-EET species yielded abundant [M-H]- and [M-CH3]- ions, respectively. The collision-induced dissociation of these specific high-mass ions revealed fragment ions characteristic of the epoxyeicosatrienoic acids incorporated (m/z 319, 301, and 257) and the same unique ions as those seen with each isomeric epoxyeicosatrienoic acid. With this direct method of analysis, phospholipids containing the four positional isomers of EET, including the highly labile (5,6-EET), could be identified as unique molecular species in mast cells incubated with EET.     

Determination of the platinum drug cis-amminedichloro(2-methylpyridine)platinum(II) in human urine by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry

A validated stable isotope dilution liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry assay for the novel platinum drug cis-amminedichloro(2-methylpyridine)platinum(II) (ZD0473) in human urine has been developed. This method uses selected reaction monitoring on the transition of m/z 393 [M+NH(4)](+) to m/z 304 [M+NH(4)-NH(3)-2 x H(35)Cl](+) for ZD0473, and m/z 400 [M+NH(4)](+) to m/z 310 [M+NH(4)-NH(3)-H(35)Cl-(2)H(35)Cl](+) for the internal standard [(2)H(7)]ZD0473. Standard curves were prepared over the range from 0.15 to 50 microg/ml. The lower limit of quantitation was 0.2 microg/ml for 100 microl of urine. This simple, rapid, reliable, and sensitive method of quantitation displayed acceptable accuracy and precision over the 3 days of assay validation. A novel platinum adduct was formed during the storage of ZD0473 in human urine. The adduct did not correspond to any of the typical sulfhydryl adducts that have been identified previously for platinum drugs. Formation of the adduct was prevented by the addition of 50% (w/v) sodium chloride to the urine. The assay can be used to quantify intact ZD0473 in the urine of subjects dosed with this new platinum drug.     

Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase transformations of 5β-scymnol and identification of oxoscymnol transformation products by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectroscopy

A new and sensitive high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) separation procedure coupled with tandem mass spectroscopy (MS and MS(2)) detection was developed to identify for the first time the oxidation products of 5β-scymnol [(24R)-(+)-5β-cholestan-3α,7α,12α,24,26,27-hexol] catalysed by bacterial hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (HSD) reactions in vitro. The authentic scymnol (MW 468) standard yielded a protonated molecular ion [M+H](+) at m/z 469 Da, and higher mass adduct ions attributed to [M+NH(4)](+) (m/z 486), [M+H+CH(3)OH](+) (m/z 501) and [M+H+CH(3)COOH](+) (m/z 530). (24R)-(+)-5β-Cholestan-3-one-7α,12α,24,26,27-pentol (3-oxoscymnol, m/z 467 Da, relative retention time (RRT)=0.89) was identified as the principle molecular species of scymnol in the reaction with 3α-HSD pure enzyme. [S](0.5) for the reaction of 3α-HSD with scymnol as substrate was 0.7292 mM. (24R)-(+)-5β-cholestan-7-one-3α,12α,24,26,27-pentol (7-oxoscymnol, m/z 467 Da, RRT=0.79) and (24R)-(+)-5β-cholestan-12-one-3α,7α,24,26,27-pentol (12-oxoscymnol, m/z 467 Da, RRT=0.81) were similarly identified as principle molecular species in the respective 7α-HSD and 12α-HSD reactions. Polarity of the oxoscymnol species was established as 7-oxoscymnol>12-oxoscymnol>3-oxoscymnol>scymnol (in order from most polar to least polar). Confirmation that 5β-scymnol is an oxidative substrate for steroid-metabolising enzymes was made possible by the use of sophisticated liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) techniques that will likely provide the basis for further exploration of scymnol as a therapeutic compound.     

On-line high-performance liquid chromatography-fluorescence detection-electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry profiling of human milk oligosaccharides derivatized with 2-aminoacridone

A high-resolution normal-phase high-performance liquid chromatography-fluorescence detection-electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry separation and structural characterization of the main oligosaccharides along with lactose from human milk samples is described. A total of 22 commercially available oligosaccharides were fluorotagged with 2-aminoacridone and separated on an amide column and identified on the basis of their retention times and mass spectra. Derivatized species having mass lower than approximately 800 to 900 exhibited mainly [M-H](-1) anions, oligomers with mass up to approximately 1000 to 1100 were represented by both [M-H](-1) and [M-2H](-2) anions, and oligomers greater than approximately 1200 to 1300 were characterized by a charge state of -3. Furthermore, the retention times were directly related to the glycans' molecular mass. Human milk samples from the four groups of donors (Se±/Le±) were analyzed for their composition and amount of free oligosaccharides after rapid and simple prepurification and derivatization steps also in the presence of lactose in high content. This analytical approach enabled us to perform the determination of species not detected by traditional techniques, such as sialic acid, as well as of species present in low content easily mistaken with other peaks. Finally, labeled human milk oligosaccharides were analyzed without any interference from excess fluorophore or interference from proteins, peptides, salts, and other impurities normally present in this complex biological fluid.     

Detection of new amino acid sequences of alamethicins F30 by nonaqueous capillary electrophoresis-mass spectrometry.

The microheterogeneous alamethicin F30 (ALM F30) isolated from the fermentation of Trichoderma viride strain NRRL 3199 was analyzed by nonaqueous capillary electrophoresis coupled to electrospray ion-trap mass spectrometry (ESI-IT-MS) and electrospray time-of-flight mass spectrometry (ESI-TOF-MS). Tandem ESI-IT-MS was used for elucidation of the amino acid sequence based on the fragmentation pattern of selected parent ions. The MS/MS spectra using the [M + 3H](3+) or [M + 2H](2+) ions as precursor ions displayed the respective b- and the y-type fragments resulting from cleavage of the particularly labile Aib-Pro bond. The MS(3) of these fragments generated the b acylium ion series, as well as internal fragment ion series. Eleven amino acid sequences were identified, characterized by the exchange of Ala to Aib in position 6, Gln to Glu in positions 7 or 19 as well as the loss of the C-terminal amino alcohol. In addition, two truncated pyroglutamyl peptaibols were found. Overall, seven new sequences are reported compared to earlier LC-MS studies. The composition of the components was confirmed by on-line ESI-TOF-MS detection. Mass accuracy well below 5 ppm was observed. Quantification of the individual components was achieved by a combination of UV and TOF-MS detection.     

Synthesis of prostaglandin F ethanolamide by prostaglandin F synthase and identification of Bimatoprost as a potent inhibitor of the enzyme: new enzyme assay method using LC/ESI/MS

Prostaglandin (PG) D(2) ethanolamide (prostamide D(2)) was reduced to 9alpha,11beta-PGF(2) ethanolamide (9alpha,11beta-prostamide F(2)) by PGF synthase, which also catalyzes the reduction of PGH(2) and PGD(2) to PGF(2alpha) and 9alpha,11beta-PGF(2), respectively. These enzyme activities were measured by a new method, the liquid chromatographic-electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry (LC/ESI/MS) technique, which could simultaneously detect the substrate and all products. PGF(2alpha), 9alpha,11beta-PGF(2), PGD(2), PGH(2), 9alpha,11beta-prostamide F(2), and prostamide D(2) were separated on a TSKgel ODS 80Ts column, ionized by electrospray, and detected in the negative mode. Selected ion monitoring (SIM) of m/z 353 ([M-H](-)), 353 ([M-H](-)), 351 ([M-H](-)), 333 ([M-H-H(2)O](-)), 456 ([M+59](-)), and m/z 358 ([M-37](-)) was used for quantifying PGF(2alpha), 9alpha,11beta-PGF(2), PGD(2), PGH(2), 9alpha,11beta-prostamide F(2), and prostamide D(2), respectively. The detection limit for PGF(2alpha) and 9alpha,11beta-PGF(2) was 0.01pmol; that for PGH(2) and PGD(2), 0.1pmol; and that for prostamide D(2) and 9alpha,11beta-prostamide F(2), 0.5 and 0.03pmol, respectively. The LC/ESI/MS technique for measuring PGF synthase activity showed higher sensitivity than other methods. Using this method, we found that Bimatoprost, the ethyl amide analog of 17-phenyl-trinor PGF(2alpha) and an anti-glaucoma agent, inhibited all three reductase activities of PGF synthase when used at a low concentration. These results suggest that Bimatoprost also behaves as a potent PGF synthase inhibitor in addition to having prostamide-like activity.     

1,2-Dimethylimidazole-4-sulfonyl chloride, a novel derivatization reagent for the analysis of phenolic compounds by liquid chromatography electrospray tandem mass spectrometry: application to 1-hydroxypyrene in human urine

A novel derivatization method employing 1,2-dimethylimidazole-4-sulfonyl chloride (DMISC) to improve the mass spectrometric response for phenolic compounds in liquid chromatography electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS) and tandem mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS/MS) is described. Several environmentally relevant compounds, including chloro-, aryl- and alkylphenols, steroidal estrogens, and hydroxy-polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (OHPAHs), were selected to evaluate this technique. A facile derivatization procedure employing DMISC results in dimethylimidazolesulfonyl (DMIS) derivatives that are stable in aqueous solution. These DMIS derivatives produced intense [M+H](+) ions in positive-ion LC-ESI-MS. The product ion spectra of the [M+H](+) ions of simple phenols were dominated by ions representing the DMIS and dimethylimidazole moieties, whereas product ion spectra of the DMIS derivatives of OHPAHs with three or more fused aromatic rings showed prominent ArO(+) ions, the relative intensity of which increased with the number of rings. The DMIS derivatives of the selected phenolic compounds showed excellent chromatographic properties. To substantiate the utility of derivatization with DMISC, an analytical method employing enzyme hydrolysis, solid phase extraction, derivatization with DMISC, and analysis by LC-ESI-MS/MS with multiple reaction monitoring for determination in human urine of 1-hydroxypyrene, a widely used biomarker for the assessment of human exposure to PAHs, was developed and validated.     

Simultaneous determination of fatty, dicarboxylic and amino acids based on derivatization with isobutyl chloroformate followed by gas chromatography-positive ion chemical ionization mass spectrometry

Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) with positive ion chemical ionization (PICI) using isobutane as reagent gas was applied for analysis of isobutoxycarbonyl/isobutyl derivatives of 13 fatty, 6 dicarboxylic and 13 amino acids in a single run. For all investigated compounds (except several amino acids) the quasimolecular ions [MH](+) were registered. Asparagine underwent fragmentation via decarboxylation followed by elimination of OC(4)H(9) ([M-117](+)), whereas serine and tyrosine produced the cluster ions [M+C(4)H(9)OCO](+). Estimated detection limits were 6-250 pg in the total ion current (TIC) mode and 3-10 times lower using the selected-ion monitoring (SIM) mode.     

Use of graphitised carbon negative ion LC-MS to analyse enzymatically digested glycosaminoglycans

Capillary liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry using graphitised carbon stationary phase and ion trap mass spectrometry was shown to be a powerful technique for analysing glycosaminoglycans digested with endoglycosidases. Commonly found disaccharides from heparin/heparan sulphate digests at sub nanomole levels were found to be separated by mass and/or retention time and detected by negative ion electrospray mass spectrometry predominantly as [M-H]- ions using a standard electrospray interface and flow rate between 6-10 microL/min. Graphitised carbon liquid chromatography-fragmentation mass spectrometry provided sequence data of disaccharides and oligosaccharides. Sequence information was obtained from either collision of the [M-H]- ions (low sulphated disaccharides) or of the [M+Na-2H]- ions (highly sulphated disaccharides). This separation and identification method of endoglycosidase digestion and sample preparation using a combination of cation exchange and graphitised carbon, was used to successfully analyse digests of keratan sulphate (keratanase) and heparin (heparinase) standards, and hyaluronic acid (hyaluronidase) from synovial fluid samples.     

Detection and characterization of cyclic hydroxylamine adducts by mass spectrometry

Two cyclic hydroxylamines (cHA) bearing pyrrolidine (CPH) and piperidine moieties (TMTH) were evaluated to trap hydroxyl, peptide and phospholipid free radicals using mass spectrometry for their detection. The cHA ionized as [M+H](+) ions, showing higher relative abundances when compared to the DMPO, probably due to higher ionization efficiency. In the presence of hydroxyl radicals, both cHA generated new ions that could be attributed to loss of (*)H and (*)CH(3), most likely deriving from decomposition reactions of the nitroxide spin adduct. Addition of cHA to Leucine-enkephalin and palmitoyl-lineloyl-glycerophosphatidylcholine free radicals promoted the formation of cHA biomolecule adducts, which were confirmed by MS/MS data. Results suggest that the cHA are not suitable for hydroxyl radical trapping but can be used for trapping biomolecule radicals, having the advantage, over the most used cyclic nitrones, of being water soluble. The biomolecule adducts identified by MS are ESR silent, evidencing the importance of MS detection.     

Oligosaccharide sequence determination using B/E linked field scanning or tandem mass spectrometry of phosphatidylethanolamine derivatives

Product ion mass spectral data of [M + H]+ ions of oligosaccharides, mainly tetra- and pentasaccharides, as their dipalmitoyl phosphatidylethanolamine derivatives were obtained using both liquid secondary ion mass spectrometry with B/E linked scanning and fast atom bombardment ionization with collision-induced dissociation/tandem mass spectrometry. Both methods give similar positive product ion spectra of equivalent high sensitivity (detection limits of approximately 50 pmol) that principally contain glycosidic cleavage ions retaining the reducing end of the molecule from which monosaccharide sequence can be deduced. A series of ions from fission of the phosphate ester bond together with glycosidic cleavage are present in the tandem mass spectra and B/E linked scan spectra when helium collision gas is used. Monosaccharide linkage position of isomeric molecules is reflected in the intensity of glycosidic fragmentation, without retention of the oxygen atom, with decreasing cleavage in the order 1-3 greater than 1-4 greater than 1-6 linkage. Fucose and N-acetylhexosamines show an increased degree of fragmentation over hexose sugars. The application of product ion spectra of derivatized oligosaccharides is demonstrated for characterizing mixed samples and also the acquisition of spectra directly from the silica surface of high-performance thin-layer chromatography plates.     

Secondary ion mass spectrometry for sulfoglycolipids: application of negative ion detection

A series of underivatized sulfoglycolipids (SM4g, lyso-SM4g, SM4s, SM3, SM2, SB2, and SB1a) from various tissues were analyzed by both positive (POS-SI-MS) and negative (NEG-SI-MS) secondary ion mass spectrometry. By POS-SI-MS were detected the molecular ions of sulfoglycolipids in the form with sodium or potassium together with some fragment ions useful for the carbohydrate sequence determination. The analysis of monosulfogangliotriaosyl- or monosulfogangliotetraosylceramide and bis-sulfoglycolipid was difficult due to noise in the high mass region. On the other hand, NEG-SI-MS of sulfoglycolipids gave more intense signals from molecular ion of (M-H)- for monosulfoglycolipids and [M-H+Na)-H)- for bis-sulfoglycolipid. Many fragment ions useful for the elucidation of the carbohydrate sequences were also obtained with significant intensities. The fragmentation was assessed to occur at the glycosidic linkages to form ions of the oligosaccharides with or without ceramide. These ions were useful for sugar sequencing and also for distinguishing the differences in the position of the sulfate group. The intensities of saccharide ions without sulfate were lower than those with sulfates. In the case of SB2 and SB1a, containing 2 mol of sulfate ester groups, the molecular ion was detected as [M-H+Na)-H)-. Also, fragment ions with 2 mol of sulfate were detected as the sodium-additive form. It was concluded that NEG-SI-MS is a very useful technique for the structural elucidation of higher sulfoglycolipids.     

Convenient and rapid analysis of linkage isomers of fucose-containing oligosaccharides by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization quadrupole ion trap time-of-flight mass spectrometry

Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization quadrupole ion trap time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-QIT-TOF MS) was used to analyze three pyridylamino (PA)-fucosyloligosaccharides isolated from human milk: lacto-N-fucopentaose (LNFP) I [Fucα1-2Galβ1-3GlcNAcβ1-3Galβ1-4Glc-PA], LNFP II [Galβ1-3(Fucα1-4)GlcNAcβ1-3Galβ1-4Glc-PA], and LNFP III [Galβ1-4(Fucα1-3)GlcNAcβ1-3Galβ1-4Glc-PA]. These oligosaccharides are linkage isomers. MALDI-QIT-TOF MS provides MSⁿ spectra, which we used to characterize these PA-oligosaccharides. MS/MS/MS analysis of the non-reducing end tri-saccharide ions generated by MS/MS was able to distinguish these oligosaccharide isomers. The MALDI-QIT-TOF MS is a very convenient and rapid method, therefore, it would be useful for high throughput structural analyses of various types of pyridylaminated oligosaccharide isomers.