Mass Spectrometry
The research focus of the Mass Spectrometry Core is the use of stable isotopes to measure metabolite turnover in both in vivo and in vitro studies. Examples include the turnover of small molecules such as glucose, amino acids, urea and ammonia as well as the measurement of total body protein synthesis. We also offer the doubly labeled water method for determination of the metabolic rate in a freely moving individual. We are able to quantitate the oxidation of specific metabolites by measuring the rate of 13C-carbon dioxide production following the administration of a precursor such as 13C-labeled glucose. Total body water can be safely determined from the dilution of a single oral or parenteral dose of deuterated water.