MALDI-TOF MSI method for determining spatial distribution of infection markers in pulmonary tissues of pigs

Abstract

In recent years the matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry imaging (MALDI-TOF MSI) is used for molecular mapping of diverse biomarkers such as proteins or peptides in animal/plant tissue sections. It takes full advantage of the benefits of MALDITOF technique which is the ability of rapid measurements of all mass spectra in a wide mass range and detection of analytes molecular weights. Interleukins, the group of mostly proinflammatory cytokines, are the proteins that are produced as immune response on bacterial infection Actinobacillus pleuropneumonia. The aim of this study was to develop a MALDI-TOF MSI method for quantitative visualization of spatial distribution of interleukins and other cell markers of lymphocytes, granulocytes and macrophages in porcine tissues of lymph nodes and lungs. The determination of the spatial distribution of produced proteins will bring further useful knowledge of the pathogenesis of this economically important disease of pigs, which can also contribute to reducing the consumption of antimicrobials.