Spatial organization of lipids in the human retina and optic nerve by MALDI imaging mass spectrometry

摘要: MALDI imaging mass spectrometry (IMS) was used to characterize lipid species within sections of human eyes. Common phospholipids that are abundant in most tissues were not highly localized and observed throughout the accessory tissue, optic nerve, retina. Triacylglycerols whereas sulfatide plasmalogen glycerophosphoethanolamine (PE) lipids with a monounsaturated fatty acid found enriched nerve. Additionally, several associated solely inner retina, photoreceptors, or retinal pigment epithelium (RPE); PE containing DHA (22:6), PE(P-18:0/22:6), present exclusively DHA-containing glycerophosphatidylcholine (PC) photoreceptors. PC very long chain (VLC)-PUFAs detected photoreceptors despite their low abundance Ceramide bis-retinoid, N-retinylidene-N-retinylethanolamine, tentatively identified only RPE. This IMS study readily revealed location many have been degenerative diseases. Complex localization tissue provides global view organization initial evidence for specific functions regions, offering opportunities assess significance diseases, such as macular degeneration, where implicated disease process.