Analysis of intact tissue by intermediate-pressure MALDI on a linear ion trap mass spectrometer

The use of an intermediate-pressure matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (IP-MALDI) source working at 0.17 Torr on a linear ion trap (LIT) was investigated for the analysis of tissue specimens, in particular, spinal cord sections. MALDI, with 2,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid (DHB) as the matrix, was employed for the detection of phospholipids. The matrix was applied to the tissue using electrospray to avoid analyte migration. The results indicate that analyzing tissue specimens at nontraditional MALDI vacuum pressures is possible. Coupling MALDI to an LIT permits the use of MSn which is critical for the ability to identify compounds desorbed directly from tissue specimens. Using MSn ions detected from m/z 600-1000 were characterized as phosphatidlycholines, PC. Specifically, using tandem MS, PC ions could be classified as either [M + H](+) or [M + Na](+) because the fragmentation patterns of protonated and sodiated phosphatidlycholines follow different pathways.