This note demonstrates that accurate mass and MS/MS data can be rapidly and easily obtained using an automated matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization Fourier transform MS procedure far multiple samples. Multiple ionization techniques were used simultaneously in order to introduce sample and mass reference ions into the Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance cell. In this way 20 samples from a combinatorial library were analyzed automatically in one hour, with RMS errors of less than 5 ppm for the masses of both parent and fragment ions. (C) 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

The isolation and characterization of globotriaosyl ceramide from bovine spermatozoa is presented. Analysis of Gb3 by high-resolution proton nuclear magnetic resonance (H-1-NMR), fast atom bombardment mass spectrometry (FAB-MS), mobility on HPTLC, and HpTLC-immunostaining; GLC/MS analysis of the partially methylated alditol acetates of the sugar units, and GLC analysis of the sphingoid bases and fatty acids present in the ceramide moiety, resulted in the characterization of this major glycosphingolipid as Gal(alpha-1-4) Gal(beta-1-4)Glc(beta-1-1)Cer.