05% aqueous TFA). Dried samples were then analyzed using a Voyager DE STR MALDI/TOF mass spectrometer (Applied Biosystems, Warrington) as described previously [2]. Spectra represent the resolved monoisotopic [M+H]+ masses in positive reflector mode within the mass range m/z 500–2500. The MALDI laser was directed to areas close to, but not within, the tissue samples to avoid interference with energy transfer during ionization. Peptide sequence information was obtained by MALDI Post-Source Decay (PSD)

analysis of an acidified methanol extract of MAGs and SVs, performed using the Voyager instrument and angiotensin I as the standard for calibration. A PSD spectrum was produced from 7 to click here 8 spectral segments and stitched together using the Voyager software. Sequences were interpreted manually. MALDI/TOF-MS of HPLC fractions was performed by drying each fraction and re-dissolving in 10 μl of 70% (v/v) acetonitrile. A 0.5 μl aliquot of the fraction was then added to 0.5 μl matrix and mixed before transfer to a MALDI sample plate. After drying at room temperature, mass spectra were acquired on a Voyager DE STR MALDI/TOF instrument [2]. Samples were diluted 10-fold in 0.1% (v/v) TFA for fractionation by reversed phase EPZ015666 supplier high-performance liquid chromatography

(RP-HPLC) performed using a System Gold liquid chromatography system (Beckman Coulter Megestrol Acetate UK Ltd., High Wycombe, UK), utilizing a dual pump programmable solvent module 126 and a UV detector module 166 [2]. Samples were loaded via a Rheodyne loop injector onto a Jupiter C18 5 μm 300 Å column (250 mm × 2.1 mm internal diameter) fitted with a 30 mm × 2.1 mm guard column (Phenomenex, Macclesfield, UK). The column was eluted with a linear gradient of 10–60% acetonitrile/0.1% TFA, over 50 min at a flow rate of 0.2 ml/min, and elution monitored at 215 nm.

Fractions (0.2 ml) were collected and dried by centrifugal evaporation for immunoassay or mass analysis. Peptides were quantified using an indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for peptides with a C-terminal RFamide, as described previously [1]. Briefly, either HPLC fractions or synthetic Aea-HP-1 (pERPhPSLKTRFamide; pE, pyro-glutamic acid, hP, 4-hydroxyproline; amide, amidated C-terminus) custom synthesized by Biomatik, Cambridge, Canada) were dried onto multiwell plates (Sigma–Aldrich Co., Dorset, UK) at 37 °C, then incubated overnight at 4 °C with 100 μl of 0.1 M bicarbonate (coating) buffer (pH 9.6). Plates were washed three times with 150 μl of 10 mM phosphate–buffered saline 0.1% (w/v) Tween-20 (PBS-T), blocking solution (150 μl; 2% w/v non-fat milk in PBS-T) was added, and the plates incubated for 90 min at 37 °C. After a further PBS-T wash, 100 μl of primary anti-FMRFamide antiserum (Bachem UK Ltd., St.