Selected reaction monitoring during gas chromatography/mass spectrometry of eicosanoids

Abstract
Gas chromatography/electron capture negative ion mass spectrometry of eicosanoids, as pentafluorobenzyl (PFB) ester, methyl oxime (where applicable), trimethylsilyl (TMS) ether derivatives, is reported using a double-focusing instrument of trisector configuration. Sub-picogram detection limits were observed for prostaglandins E1, E2 and F during selected ion monitoring (SIM) of [M  PFB] ions. Selected reaction monitoring (SRM) of [M  PFB] → [M  PFB  TMSOH], occurring in the first field-free region, was of modest sensitivity, reflecting the stability of the [M − PFB] ions. The leukotriene B4 (LTB4) derivative was successfully analyzed by SIM at the low-picogram level. In this instance, the fragmentation [M  PFB] →[M  PFB  TMSOH] occurred in high yield in the first field-free region. The advantageous improvement in selectivity of detection that may be achieved with SRM was evident during the analysis of a serum extract for LTB4.

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