Welcome to the Bioanalytical Shared Resource (BSR). This resource is available at OHSU for the analysis of drugs and their metabolites and bio-molecules such as simple peptides, oligonucleotides, carbohydrates, lipids and steroids. The BSR provides open access to a laboratory where users prepare and analyze their own samples by HPLC, GC/MS or LC/MS on equipment maintained by BSR personnel. In addition, an essential component of the BSR is the Pharmacokinetics Core (PKCore) that functions as a service laboratory. The purpose of the PKCore is to provide a complete analysis of samples including the development of analytical methods, sample preparation, and data analysis for clinical trials as well as basic science investigations. Support for experimental design and the interpretation and modeling of pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic data can be obtained from the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic modeling group associated with the PKCore. Support staff will provide training on the use of instrumentation and will consult on the interpretation of mass spectral data. All analysis and instrument use will be charged on either an hourly or a per sample basis as outlined on the current fee rate table that can be found here.

Instrumentation in the BSR/PKCore includes two tandem LC/MS instruments. One is a LCQ Advantage ion trap mass spectrometer normally employed for rapid molecule identification by LC/MS. For analysis and quantification in complex biological matrices, the MS/MS capability can be used to increase metabolite selectivity. LC/MSn data can also be obtained as an extremely powerful aid for structural elucidation. The LCQ also has a photodiode array detector that can be used prior to the mass spectrometer. The second is a TSQ Quantum Discovery triple quadrupole mass spectrometer. It can be used for reproducible and selective quantification by LC/MS or MS/MS and can achieve 10 to 50 fold increases in sensitivity over the LCQ Advantage. The TSQ quantum can also perform sensitive precursor ion scanning experiments to generate parent ion spectra for a particular fragment or neutral loss. Both mass spectrometers have an electrospray or atmospheric pressure chemical ionization probe, each capable of positive and negative ionization modes, allowing for the analysis of a wide range of molecules. The TSQ quantum also has an atmospheric pressure photo-ionization probe for molecules difficult or impossible to detect using other atmospheric pressure ionization techniques. The LCQ has a Surveryor HPLC system while the TSQ has a ultra high pressure Accela HPLC system that allows the use of sub 2 micron HPLC columns. A Trace DSQ GC/MS with an autosampler and split/spiltless injector is available for molecules requiring a gas chromatographic interface for separation. It can be used for electron impact or chemical ionization in positive and negative modes. For those molecules that can be quantified by HPLC a two systems are available. One is an Agilent model 1100 gradient system with autosampler, PDA, and fluorescence detectors and the second is an Agilent 1100 with an autosampler and a dedicated ESA electrochemical detector.

The BSR/PKCore is located in the Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, BSAC 6549. The Director of the facility is Dr. Dennis R. Koop (503.494.7803) and is assisted by the Associate Facilities Director, Dr. Andrea DeBarber (503-494-3154) and by Jenny Luo (503.494.8034), Senior Research Assistant. Dr. Myrna Munar (503.494.5164) from the Oregon State University College of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacy Practice, is the coordinator for the pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic modeling unit. Instrument time in the facility or assay design and sample analysis to be done by PKCore personnel should be requested through submission of the online form accessible from the main menu. For those individuals that intend to analyze their own samples, a training session must be completed prior to instrument use. Investigators who will run their own analysis will need to provide a column and solvents. For those infusing samples, it is required that a gas tight syringe and tubing for your own use be obtained. A table of materials that are approved for use can be found here. Any substitution requires the approval of facility personnel.

We would appreciate your recognition by sending the Core a copy of all publications that use data obtained on facility instrumentation and to include the following acknowledgement "This work was supported in part by the Bioanalytical Shared Resource/Pharmacokinetics Core in the Department of Physiology and Pharmacology at Oregon Health & Science University"