Analysis of urinary nucleosides. I. Optimisation of high performance liquid chromatography/electrospray mass spectrometry

In order to optimise the analysis of urinary nucleosides by high performanc e liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (HPLC/MS), the HPLC separation of these compounds was performed at different 'flow rates' and 0.2mL/min was found to give both a better separation and ionisation. The ionisation condi tions were optimised to give the best intensity of the molecules quasi-mole cular ions. The ion distribution profile and ionisation in both positive an d negative mode were examined and the detection of the protonated molecule in positive mode chosen for further analysis. The limits of detection of th e method developed are reported and representative LC/MS and LC/MS/MS spect ra shown. Typical urinary nucleoside chromatograms are presented. Copyright (C) 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.