Analysis of polyols in uremic serum by liquid chromatography combined with atmospheric pressure chemical ionization mass spectrometry.

Liquid chromatography with atmospheric pressure chemical ionization mass spectrometry in the negative-ion mode was used to analyse polyols in uremic serum obtained from haemodialysis patients. With post-column addition of 1% chloroform-methanol as an ionization accelerating solvent, the chloride addition ions, [M+Cl]-, were detected as base peaks, and the molecular masses of the polyols were easily determined by comparing [M+Cl]- and [M - H]- ions. Concentrations of erythritol, myoinositol, mannitol and sorbitol were markedly increased, and that of 1,5-anhydroglucitol was markedly decreased in the uremic serum compared with normal serum. After haemodialysis, the serum concentration of these polyols decreased significantly. This method was found to be useful in analysing the profile of polyols.