Evaluation of sphingolipids in vitreous bodies from a patient with Gaucher disease, using delayed extraction matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry.

Gaucher disease is a glycolipid storage disorder characterized by the accumulation of glucosylceramide in tissues. Using delayed extraction matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (DE MALDI-TOF-MS), we analyzed sphingolipids in vitreous bodies from a patient with Gaucher disease who suffered from vitreous opacities. Crude lipids were extracted from the freeze-dried vitreous bodies with chloroform and methanol.