Imaging mass spectrometry in neuroscience.

• Imaging mass spectrometry is an emerging technique of great potential for investigating the chemical architecture in biological matrices. Although the potential for studying neurobiological systems is evident, the relevance of the technique for application in neuroscience is still in its infancy. In the present Review, a principal overview of the different approaches, including matrix assisted laser desorption ionization and secondary ion mass spectrometry, is provided with particular focus on their strengths and limitations for studying different neurochemical species in situ and in vitro. The potential of the various approaches is discussed based on both fundamental and biomedical neuroscience research. This Review aims to serve as a general guide to familiarize the neuroscience community and other biomedical researchers with the technique, highlighting its great potential and suitability for comprehensive and specific chemical imaging.

Subject headings

NATURVETENSKAP  -- Kemi (hsv//swe)

NATURAL SCIENCES  -- Chemical Sciences (hsv//eng)

Keyword

Animals

Brain Chemistry

Humans

Mass Spectrometry

methods

Neurotransmitter Agents

analysis

Spectrometry

Mass

Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption-Ionization

methods

Spectrometry

Mass

Secondary Ion

methods

Spectrometry

Publication and Content Type

ref (subject category)

art (subject category)