Book excerpt: The first authoritative guide to the application of this vital analytical technique Mass spectrometry is a powerful analytical technique that is used to identify unknown compounds, to quantify known materials, and to elucidate the structural and chemical properties of molecules. In analyzing the effects of experimental drugs on the brain, it is the sole technique for identifying the presence and structure of neuropeptides-substances that indicate the effect of the drug. Mass Spectrometry and Hyphenated Techniques in Neuropeptide Research specifically explains how to apply the technology to this process. Because the book is written by mass spectrometry users, as opposed to mass spectrometrists, the focus remains on practical applications of the technique. The authors demonstrate how mass spectrometry works, how to apply the technique to research, which types of instrumentation should be used for particular requirements, and how to plan experiments. Readers will learn why mass spectrometry provides more outcome features than other techniques in neuropeptide analysis, including simultaneous detection, identification of substances present in mixtures, and sequence information even when the residues are modified, blocked, or unusual. Among the chapters in this comprehensive text are: * Sequencing of Peptides by Nanospray Mass Spectrometry * Laser-Machined Microdevices for Mass Spectrometry * Electron Capture Dissociation of Peptides * Synthesis of Combinatorial Peptide Libraries * Analysis of Tissues That Reflect Nervous System Disease Doctoral students, researchers, and industry professionals in pharmacology, chemistry, biochemistry/biotechnology, and medicine will find Mass Spectrometry and Hyphenated Techniques in Neuropeptide Research to be an indispensable starting point for understanding peptides, their function, and identification.