Retrospective detection of exposure to sulfur mustard: improvements on an assay for liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry analysis of albumin-sulfur mustard adducts

J Anal Toxicol. 2004 Jul-Aug;28(5):333-8. doi: 10.1093/jat/28.5.333.

Abstract

We here report on the further development of the method comprising the pronase digestion of albumin alkylated by sulfur mustard and the subsequent mass spectrometric analysis of an adducted tripeptide. This includes significant improvements in both the albumin isolation procedure and the automation of the microliquid chromatography-electrospray-tandem mass spectrometric analysis. We also report on the results of a small reference range study, in which we have established that there are no detectable interferences in sera from unexposed individuals.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Albumins / chemistry*
  • Albumins / metabolism
  • Alkylation
  • Chemical Warfare Agents / chemistry
  • Chemical Warfare Agents / poisoning*
  • Chromatography, Affinity / instrumentation
  • Chromatography, Affinity / methods*
  • Environmental Exposure / analysis*
  • Humans
  • Mustard Gas / chemistry
  • Mustard Gas / poisoning*
  • Pronase / metabolism
  • Reference Values
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Spectrometry, Mass, Electrospray Ionization / instrumentation
  • Spectrometry, Mass, Electrospray Ionization / methods*

Substances

  • Albumins
  • Chemical Warfare Agents
  • Pronase
  • Mustard Gas