Matrix-assisted laser desorption mass spectrometry imaging for the examination of imipramine absorption by Straticell-RHE-EPI/001 an artificial model of the human epidermis

Abstract

1. In order to assess the potential of matrix-assisted laser desorption mass spectrometry imaging for the examination of artificial skin models, the absorption of the tricyclic antidepressant imipramine into Straticell-RHE-EPI/001 an artificial model of the human epidermis has been studied.

2. The presence of imipramine could be clearly discerned in treated samples by imaging the distribution of the protonated molecule at m/z 281.18 in samples taken 2 and 8 h after treatment.

3. No clear evidence of biotransformation of imipramine in the artificial epidermal model was detected, although some signals that could potentially be assigned to the desmethyl metabolite were detected. Further work is required in order to investigate the reasons for the apparent low levels of metabolites detected.

Keywords::

• Imipramine
• skin
• Straticell
• MALDI-MS imaging

Acknowledgements

The purchase of the Elforlight Nd:YVO₄ laser used in these MALDI-MSI experiments was supported by Cancer Research, UK.

Declaration of interest

The authors report no declarations of interest.