Integrated MALDI-MS imaging and LC-MS techniques for visualizing spatiotemporal metabolomic dynamics in a rat stroke...

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Neuroscience
• Analytical Chemistry

Background:

• Precise pathological analysis requires spatiotemporal biomolecule information, which is currently limited.
• Understanding metabolic alterations in brain tissue after stroke is crucial for effective treatment strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate a novel analytical platform combining mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) for comprehensive spatiotemporal metabolomic analysis.
• To characterize the detailed metabolomic response in rat brain tissue following transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO)-induced ischemia-reperfusion.

Main Methods:

• Coronally sliced MCAO rat brain tissues were analyzed using MSI for spatially resolved metabolic profiling.
• Metabolites from specific cerebral regions (cortex, hippocampus, corpus striatum) were extracted and analyzed by LC-MS.
• Data from MSI and LC-MS were correlated to validate findings and enhance spatiotemporal insights.

Main Results:

• Significant metabolic changes were observed in the cortex and corpus striatum of the ischemic hemisphere after reperfusion, with distinct regional variations.
• Region-specific metabolic behaviors were identified in amino acid, nucleotide, and TCA cycle metabolism.
• High correlation between MSI and LC-MS data was achieved in the cortex and corpus striatum, confirming the reliability of the combined approach.

Conclusions:

• The integrated MSI and LC-MS platform provides comprehensive spatiotemporal metabolic information in tissues.
• This strategy enhances the understanding of complex pathogenesis in ischemia-reperfusion injury.
• The findings contribute to advancing pathological analysis and potential therapeutic interventions for stroke.