The goal of this research program is to clarify the molecular components involved in several human neuropeptidergic systems involved in stress, pain, and pituitary tumor formation. The proenkephalin A, proopiomelanocortin, and tachykinin neuropeptidergic systems are being studied in the pituitary, cerebrospinal fluid, and trigeminal systems.
Quantification is performed with stable isotope-incorporated synthetic peptide internal standards.
The highest level of molecular specificity is obtained with MS at appropriate detection sensitivity levels. Electrospray ionization allows the direct analysis of corresponding opioid-containing proteins. Proenkephalin A neuropeptides in human epileptogenic tissue. Quantitative analytical mass spectrometry of endogenous neuropeptides in human pituitaries. Human cytochrome P450 metabolism of teniposide and etoposide.