Comprehensive Tryptamine Analysis with LC-MS

Understanding tryptamine metabolism is essential for research in neuroscience, pharmacology, and plant biology. At Creative Proteomics, we offer high-throughput, absolute quantification of tryptamine-related metabolites using a cutting-edge mass spectrometry (MS) platform. Our high-sensitivity MS-based workflow, combined with advanced bioinformatics, enables the simultaneous detection and analysis of dozens of tryptamine and related metabolites in a single injection, significantly improving screening efficiency. In addition, Our Tryptamine Metabolomics Research Service provides deep insights into the biochemical pathways of tryptamine metabolism.

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Introduction
Methods
Overview of Services
Advantages
Sample Requirements
Publication
Demo

What Is Tryptamine: A Key Biogenic Amine

Tryptamine is a naturally occurring monoamine alkaloid with an indole ring structure, closely related to the amino acid tryptophan. Found in trace amounts in mammalian brains—approximately 3.5 pmol/g in rat brain tissue—tryptamine is believed to function as a neuromodulator or neurotransmitter. Additionally, it serves as a structural component in various biologically active compounds, including neurotransmitters and psychedelic agents.

Beyond mammals, tryptamine is present in numerous plant species, where it plays a crucial role in metabolic pathways influencing growth and microbial interactions. It is also a potential intermediate in the biosynthesis of indole-3-acetic acid, a plant hormone essential for growth regulation. While tryptamine naturally occurs at low concentrations, higher levels are found in specific Acacia species.

However, due to its rapid metabolism by monoamine oxidases (MAO-A and MAO-B), tryptamine has a short half-life in vivo. It has also been identified as a noncompetitive inhibitor of serotonin N-acetyltransferase (SNAT), an enzyme involved in the conversion of serotonin to N-acetylserotonin, a precursor to melatonin in mosquitoes.

Tryptamine structure

Tryptamine Quantification Methods

High-Precision Tryptamine Quantification with HPLC

At Creative Proteomics, we utilize high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) for precise quantification of tryptamine across various biological samples, including serum and tissue extracts. Our HPLC-based analysis platform employs precolumn derivatization with DNS-Cl to enhance detection sensitivity, ensuring highly accurate, reproducible, and reliable results for both in vitro and in vivo studies.

The Power of Chromatography in Biogenic Amine Analysis

Chromatography, first conceptualized by Russian-Polish botanist M. Tswett in 1906, has evolved into a cornerstone analytical technique in organic chemistry. Among various chromatographic methods, HPLC stands out for its ability to separate non-volatile, thermally unstable, and polar compounds with exceptional precision. Its broad application range makes it indispensable in both analytical and preparative chemistry, particularly for biogenic amine quantification and purification.

Advanced Tryptamine Analysis with High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry

At Creative Proteomics, we leverage cutting-edge high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and mass spectrometry (MS) platforms to provide precise, high-sensitivity tryptamine analysis. Our services support research in neuroscience, pharmacology, and plant biochemistry, delivering quantitative accuracy for both trace-level detection and metabolic pathway exploration.

In addition to tryptamine analysis, our targeted polyamine metabolomics platform enables the detection of nine key polyamines, including:

Histamine, spermine, spermidine – Essential for cellular growth and function

Putrescine, cadaverine, ethylamine – Markers for microbial activity and metabolic health

Tyramine, tryptamine, octopamine – Neuromodulators involved in brain and plant signaling

Why Mass Spectrometry Outperforms Traditional Methods?

Compared to conventional techniques like immunoassays and chromatography, mass spectrometry (MS) offers unmatched sensitivity and specificity for tryptamine and polyamine detection.

Key Advantages of MS-Based Analysis

Ultra-High Sensitivity & Specificity

Distinguishes structurally similar compounds (e.g., 5-MeO-DMT vs. DMT) using mass-to-charge ratio (m/z).

Detects trace-level analytes down to ng/L, ideal for low-abundance biomarkers.

Multiplexed Detection in a Single Run

LC-MS/MS enables simultaneous analysis of dozens of tryptamine-related metabolites in one injection, dramatically improving throughput.

Accurate Structural Characterization & Quantification

High-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) determines molecular formulas of unknown tryptamine derivatives, supporting novel psychoactive substance (NPS) discovery.

Isotope-labeled internal standards ensure absolute quantification, overcoming the semi-quantitative limitations of immunoassays.

Comprehensive Advantages of Our Metabolite Analysis Platform

1. Broad Application Across Biological Samples

Our platform is designed for versatility, accommodating a wide range of biological specimens. Key advantages include:

Extensive Pathway Coverage: Detects tryptophan and its derivatives, secondary metabolites, and interconnected metabolic pathways.

Comprehensive Target Lists: Encompasses diverse metabolic routes, meeting the analytical needs of most research clients.

Minimal Sample Requirements: Capable of analyzing micro-scale samples, even at the lowest submission thresholds.

Custom Experimental Design: Optimized pre-treatment protocols tailored to sample types, enhancing chromatographic and mass spectrometric performance for maximum sensitivity and accuracy.

2. High-Precision Detection & Analysis

Our platform leverages cutting-edge mass spectrometry technology for superior data reliability:

Strict Quality Control Measures: Ensures data consistency through rigorous validation protocols.

Stable Isotope Internal Standard Quantification: Enhances result accuracy by eliminating variability in measurements.

3. Comprehensive Post-Analysis Support

We provide a seamless research experience with industry-leading support services:

Rapid Turnaround: Obtain results faster with our streamlined workflow.

Expert R&D Assistance: Our scientific team ensures optimal data interpretation and application for your research.

Data Analysis

metabolomics data analysis workflow Data analysis flow chart

Sample Requirements

Sample type	Recommended sample size	Pre-treatment and storage
Tissue	100-200 mg	Snap freezing in liquid nitrogen, stored at -80℃.
Urine	200-500 μL	5000×g 4℃ Centrifuge for 30-60min, remove supernatant, store at -80℃.
Serum/plasma	>100 μL	Collected serum/plasma, snap freezing in liquid nitrogen, stored at -80℃.
Cerebrospinal fluid, amniotic fluid, bile and other body fluids	>200 μL	4℃ Centrifuge for 10min, (or filter using 0.22μm membrane), remove supernatant and store at -80℃.
Suspension cells	>1*10⁷	Centrifuge and collect cells after liquid nitrogen snap freezing and store at -80℃.
Walled cells	>1*10⁷	Cultured walled cells are stored in 1.5ml centrifuge tubes, snap freezing in liquid nitrogen and stored at -80℃.
Cell supernatant	>2 mL	centrifuge at 4℃ for 3 minutes, take the supernatant and store at -80℃.

Publications

Here are some our targeted metabolomics publications from our clients:

Polyamine metabolism impacts T cell dysfunction in the oral mucosa of people living with HIV. 2023. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-023-36163-2
Overexpression of maize ZmLOX6 in Arabidopsis thaliana enhances damage-induced pentyl leaf volatile emissions that affect plant growth and interaction with aphids. 2023. https://doi.org/10.1093/jxb/erac522
Dimethyl fumarate treatment restrains the antioxidative capacity of T cells to control autoimmunity. 2021. https://doi.org/10.1093/brain/awab307
Living in extreme environments: a photosynthetic and desiccation stress tolerance trade-off story, but not for everyone. 2023. https://doi.org/10.22541/au.168311184.42382633/v2
Fatty Acid and Antioxidant Profile of Eggs from Pasture-Raised Hens Fed a Corn- and Soy-Free Diet and Supplemented with Grass-Fed Beef Suet and Liver. 2022. https://doi.org/10.3390/foods11213404

More Publications

Demo

Figures come from (Li, Y.et.al, Sci Rep,2023)

Principal Component Analysis (PCA) chart showing the distribution of samples across principal components

Quickly show the distribution of samples across principal components.

Orthogonal Partial Least Squares Method-Discriminant Analysis (PLS-DA) point cloud diagram illustrating the separation of sample groups in a multidimensional space

OPLS-DA point cloud diagram

Volcano plot depicting multiplicative changes in metabolite levels, highlighting statistically significant variations

Plot of multiplicative change volcanoes

Dendrogram representing hierarchical clustering of samples.

Sample Hierarchical Clustering

Partner with Creative Proteomics for Advanced Tryptamine Analysis

With our expertise in high-sensitivity MS detection, comprehensive metabolomic profiling, and state-of-the-art analytical platforms, we provide unparalleled accuracy, reproducibility, and efficiency. Contact us today to enhance your tryptamine and polyamine research with the power of mass spectrometry.

References

Woodcock EA, Lambert KA, Du XJ. Ins(1,4,5)P3 during myocardial ischemia and its relationship to the development of arrhythmias. J Mol Cell Cardiol. 1996 Oct;28(10):2129-38. doi: 10.1006/jmcc.1996.0205.1996.0205. PMID: 8930808.
Guo C, Xie S, Chi Z, Zhang J, Liu Y, Zhang L, Zheng M, Zhang X, Xia D, Ke Y, Lu L, Wang D. Bile Acids Control Inflammation and Metabolic Disorder through Inhibition of NLRP3 Inflammasome. Immunity. 2016 Oct 18;45(4):802-816. doi: 10.1016/j.immuni.2016.09.008. Epub 2016 Sep 28. Erratum in: Immunity. 2016 Oct 18;45(4):944. doi: 10.1016/j.immuni.2016.09.008. 2016.10.009. PMID: 27692610.
Jena, P. K., Sheng, L., Liu, H., Kalanetra, K. M., Mirsoian, A., Murphy, W. J., French, S. W., Krishnan, V. V., Mills, D. A., & Wan, Y. (2017). Western Diet–Induced Dysbiosis in Farnesoid X Receptor Knockout Mice Causes Persistent Hepatic Inflammation after Antibiotic Treatment. American Journal of Pathology. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajpath.2017.04.019

Metabolomics Sample Submission Guidelines

Download our Metabolomics Sample Preparation Guide for essential instructions on proper sample collection, storage, and transport for optimal experimental results. The guide covers various sample types, including tissues, serum, urine, and cells, along with quantity requirements for untargeted and targeted metabolomics.

Download

Metabolomics Sample Submission Guidelines

* For Research Use Only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures.

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From Our Clients

"I recently used their proteomics service for a project analyzing protein interactions in yeast models. The team was very responsive and helped clarify the methodology they employed, which made me feel confident in the results. The data quality was solid, with clear identification of several key proteins involved in our study. Their thorough analysis enabled me to pinpoint specific interactions that I hadn't considered before, which significantly improved the direction of my research. I appreciate their professionalism and support throughout the process."

Sarah Thompson, University of California, Berkeley

"Our lab collaborated with them on a project studying cancer biomarkers. The proteomics analysis provided was detailed and focused, specifically highlighting the differential expression of proteins between healthy and tumor samples. Their clear explanations of the data helped my team understand the biological implications. I also appreciated their willingness to revise the reports based on our feedback, ensuring that we had everything we needed for our publication. This collaborative spirit was invaluable."

Emily Rodriguez, Stanford University

"Our lab worked with them on a project studying the effects of diet on gut microbiota using proteomics. They used a label-free quantification method to analyze proteins in fecal samples before and after dietary intervention. The results showed significant changes in protein expression linked to microbial activity. This was pivotal for our hypothesis about diet-microbiota interactions. The clarity of their data presentation made it easy for our team to integrate these findings into our ongoing research."

Dr. Lisa Wong, University of Toronto

"My experience with Creative Proteomics during the mass spectrometry analysis was excellent. We sent in human saliva and mouse brain tissue samples, which they expertly analyzed using both LC-MS and GC-MS techniques. The results were invaluable, revealing key metabolites in the saliva and identifying biomarkers linked to brain function in the brain tissue."

Dr. Emily Carter, Senior Research Scientist

"The overall service from Creative Proteomics was outstanding. They made the entire process seamless and efficient, allowing us to focus on our research. We worked with leaf and root samples from various Arabidopsis genotypes for targeted metabolomics analysis. Their thorough profiling of primary and secondary metabolites gave us important insights into how the plants respond metabolically to environmental stress."

Dr. Laura Henderson, Plant Physiologist

"We had a pleasant collaboration with Creative Proteomics on mass spectrometry analysis of lipids. They conducted a detailed analysis of lipid species, providing us with important insights into lipid metabolism and its relationship with metabolic syndrome disease states."

Dr. Sarah Mitchell, Research Scientist

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