Combining tissue extraction and off-line capillary electrophoresis matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization Fourier transform mass spectrometry for neuropeptide analysis in individual neuronal organs using 2,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid as a multi-functional agent.

In this study we report an improved protocol that combines simplified sample preparation and micro-scale separation for mass spectrometric analysis of neuropeptides from individual neuroendocrine organs of crab Cancer borealis. A simple, one-step extraction method with commonly used matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) matrix, 2,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid (DHB), in saturated aqueous solution, is employed for improved extraction of neuropeptides. Furthermore, a novel use of DHB as background electrolyte for capillary electrophoresis (CE) separation in the off-line coupling of CE to MALDI-Fourier transform mass spectrometric (FT-MS) detection is also explored. The new CE electrolyte exhibits full compatibility with MALDI-MS analysis of neuropeptides in that both the peptide extraction process and MALDI detection utilize DHB. In addition, enhanced resolving power and improved sensitivity are also observed for CE-MALDI-MS of peptide mixture analysis. Collectively, the use of DHB has simplified the extraction and reduced the sample loss by elimination of homogenizing, drying, and desalting processes. In the mean time, the concurrent use of DHB as CE separation buffer and subsequent MALDI matrix offers improved spectral quality by eliminating the interferences from typical CE electrolyte in MALDI detection.