Quantification of SeMet and SeCys in biological fluids and tissues by liquid chromatography coupled to inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (HPLC-ICP MS)

Abstract

Selenium (Se) is an element readily absorbed during the intestinal tract and distributed in the body. In biological fluids, tissues, and animal products, Se is known to be present mainly in the form of a selenoamino-acid (selenomethionine (SeMet) or selenocysteine (SeCys)). Both amino-acids have different biological activities which justifies their discrimination. Here, we describe the method allowing the simultaneous determination of SeMet and SeCys in blood/plasma, animal tissues, milk, and eggs by two-dimensional Liquid Chromatography coupled to Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (2D HPLC-ICP MS).