Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization-Mass Spectrometry Imaging of Lipids in the Ischemic Rat Brain Section: A Practical Approach

Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-mass spectrometry imaging (MALDI-MSI) of lipids is considered one of the shotgun lipidomic techniques that explores the in situ distribution of lipids in tissue sections. To successfully perform this task, knowledge and experience in the conventional cryosection, tissue section collection and handling, and mass spectrometry data analysis and signal processing are needed. A MALDI-MSI protocol covering from the fresh organ collection, cryosection and tissue processing, matrix application, MSI data acquisition, to the final MSI display of lipid distribution in the brain section of an ischemic stroke rat is described to exemplify this technique. Due to the multidisciplinary nature of this approach, plenty of preparation, practice, and familiarization to several critical steps ahead of the engagement with actual biological samples are needed to ensure a successful MALDI-MSI presentation of lipids in situ.