Distribution analysis via desorption electrospray ionization - mass spectrometry imaging (DESI-MSI) of components of madder color in the kidneys of rats

Abstract

Madder color (MC) induces rat renal tumor in outer stripe outer medulla (OSOM). This site specificity is considered to depend on distribution of its components. To clarify the role of MC components in renal carcinogenesis, we analyzed distribution of major components in the kidney of rats administered with MC using DESI-MSI. As a result, alizarin and purpurin detected in both cortex and OSOM whereas lucidin and rubiadin detected only in the OSOM, suggesting that its genotoxicity plays a direct role in MC carcinogenicity. Thus, MSI could be a powerful tool for exploring mechanisms of toxicity.