Analytical Services
3-Methylhistidine Analysis
Credentials
Since MTI BioTech was founded in 1990, the company has been involved in the research and analysis of amino acids and their metabolites. Laboratory Director, John Rathmacher, has extensive experience in 3-methylhistidine research and analysis by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. He has authored more than ten refereed publications and 20 abstracts dealing with 3-methylhistidine quantitation and its use in assessing muscle protein turnover.
Urinary 3-methylhistidine
Measurement of urinary 3-methylhistidine (3MH) excretion is the primary in vivo method to measure skeletal muscle (myofibrillar) protein breakdown. This method requires quantitative collection of urine and is based on the assumption that no metabolism of 3MH occurs once released from actin and myosin. Urinary 3MH can be used as an index of myofibrillar protein degradation, or, if the precursor pool (3MH bound to muscle protein) can be estimated, the fractional breakdown rate can be calculated.
Laboratory
MTI BioTech is located in the Iowa State University Research Park, Ames, Iowa. MTI maintains a 2500 sq. ft. analytical laboratory next to their business office. In this laboratory are all the necessary pieces of equipment to process and store the specimens.
Procedure
3-Methylhistidine analysis will be performed by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry using methods developed in this laboratory. 1,2
The laboratory is equipped with fully automated gas chromatography/mass spectrometry equipment (Agilent, 6890/5973, Palo Alto, CA).
All our methods employ Good Laboratory Practices (GLP) and follow the precision, accuracy, and quality control requirements outlined in our Standard Operating Procedures (SOP).
Following 3MH analysis, we will quantify 3MH by using an internal standard (ISTD) method. A dueterated-3MH molecule will be employed in the analysis and quantification as the ISTD. Data will be entered into an Excel spreadsheet and the results expressed as nmol/ml. If the client supplies the 24-h urine value, we will express the data as µmol/mL.
1 Rathmacher J.A., G.A. Link; P.J. Flakoll, and S.L. Nissen. 1992. Gas chromatographic mass spectrometric analysis of stable isotopes of 3 methylhistidine in biological fluids: application to plasma kinetics in vivo. Biological Mass Spectrometry 21: 560 566. View Abstract
2 Rathmacher J.A., P.J. Flakoll, and S.L.Nissen. 1995. A compartmental model of 3-methylhistidine metabolism in humans. The American Journal of Physiology 269(Endocrinology Metabolism 32):E193 E198. View Abstract
Current pricing*
| Analysis Type | Price (US$) |
| 3-methylhistidine (urinary) | $32.75 |
| 3-methylhistidine (plasma or serum) | $30.75 |
*Pricing based on the samples being analyzed in duplicate. Prices less than those in the price list may be applicable, so we invite your inquiry. Payment is due on receipt of the invoice.
Contact information
John A. Rathmacher, Ph.D.
Metabolic Technologies, Inc.
Iowa State University Research Park
2711 South Loop Dr.
Suite 4400
Ames, Iowa 50011
Phone: (515) 296-9916
Fax: (515) 296-0908
E-mail: John A. Rathmacher
