Quantitative UPLC-MS/MS to Detect DMPC and DPPC Applied to Paraquat Poisoning in Cells and Serum

Background 1,2-dimyristoyl- sn -glycero-3-phosphocholine (DMPC) and 1,2-dipalmitoyl- sn -glycerol-3-phosphorylcholine (DPPC) are two common phosphatidylcholines that are the critical components of bilayer membrane structure. Methods To detect DMPC and DPPC, an ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) method was established. DMPC and DPPC were separated on an amide column with gradient elution and determined by multiple reaction monitoring at m/z 678.6 → 184.3 (DMPC) and 734.5 → 184.03 (DPPC). Results The method was validated and applied to determine the concentration of DMPC and DPPC in paraquat (PQ)-poisoned cells and serum. DMPC and DPPC showed a good linear relationship in both extracellular media. The precision and accuracy of DMPC and DPPC were within 15