Glycolate and 2-phosphoglycolate content of tissues measured by ion chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry

Glycolate and 2-phosphoglycolate (PG) are 2-carbon monocarboxylic acids with ill-defined metabolic roles. Their concentrations have not yet been described in tissues apart from body fluids and erythrocytes. We describe the use of ion chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (IC-MS) to quantify levels of glycolate and PG in tissue. Sample preparation and analysis can be performed within an hour. Low concentrations of glycolate (12–48 nmol/g) and PG (4–17 nmol/g) were detected in all tissues. The availability of this IC-MS assay will facilitate investigations of the origin, function, and metabolism of glycolate and PG in tissues.