Trace quantitation of the novel cholinesterase inhibitor in human plasma by capillary gas chromatography/ion trap mass spectrometry

This paper demonstrates the utility of an ion trap mass spectrometer as a detector for trace quantitative determinations of pharmaceuticals in human plasma by capillary gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. A novel acetylcholinesterase inhibitor (CI-1002) was selected as an illustrative example for the technique. When coupled with a selective solid-phase extraction, this approach was capable of quantifying as little as 34 pg (0.50 ng ml-1, RSD = 12.7%) of compound on the column, and the inter-run precision was typically 3-4% RSD over a 0.5-25 ng ml-1 linear range. The advantages and requirements of the technique, in addition to the prospects for improvements in the detection limit, are discussed.     

褐煤的气相色谱/串联三重四极杆质谱鉴别检测方法

基于传统褐煤鉴别方法操作复杂、定性结果主观影响较大等特点,探索并建立了褐煤的气相色谱/串联三重四极杆质谱鉴别方法(GC-MS/MS)。对煤炭样品采用丙酮溶液提取,提取液用气相色谱/串联三重四极杆质谱仪进行全扫描总离子流色谱和选择离子扫描及多反应监测扫描质谱(色谱和质谱)的采集分析。从总离子流图检测出褐煤的特征峰,结合特征峰的质荷比394.8/187、394.8/95、394.8/161、394.8/159.1对褐煤样品进行多反应监测模式(MRM)分析,使得定性分析更准确可靠。实验方法可广泛应用于煤炭中褐煤与其他种类煤炭区分的定性检测。     

Determination of 17 beta-estradiol and its metabolites in sewage effluent by solid-phase extraction and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry

The paper describes a simple and quantitative method for monitoring non-conjugated 17 beta-estradiol (E2) and its metabolites estrone (E1) and estriol (E3) as environmental contaminants in municipal sewage effluents. Estrogens were preconcentrated and cleaned up by solid-phase extraction using a reversed-phase C18 cartridge. They were derivatized with pentafluoropropionic acid anhydride, and the products were analyzed by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. Recoveries from spiked distilled water and sewage were better than 87% at fortification levels of 100 and 20 ng/L. For a 1 L sewage sample and a concentration factor of 5000, detection limits were 5 ng/L for E1 and E2 and 10 ng/L for E3. In a brief survey of Canadian wastewater, these estrogens were detected in many raw sewage and effluent samples at concentrations ranging from 6 to 109 ng/L for E1, from < 5 to 15 ng/L for E2, and from < 10 to 250 ng/L for E3.     

Determination of four anabolic steroid metabolites by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry with negative ion chemical ionization and tandem mass spectrometry

A gas chromatography/mass spectrometry method is described which uses negative ion chemical ionization and tandem mass spectrometry for the determination of anabolic steroid metabolites. Four anabolic steroid metabolites to be derivatized by Pentafluoropropionic anhydride (PFPA) were determined using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) with negative chemical ionization (NCI) and NCI/MS/MS. The repeatability and reproducibility of this procedure were in the range of 5.3-9.7% and 6.1-10.2%, respectively. This method of derivatization with PFPA for NCI and NCI/MS/MS was useful to determine four metabolites of nandrolone, dromostanolone, methenolone and boldenone. The derivatized metabolites of boldenone could be detected to 2 ppb and the other three steroids could be detected to 25 ppb in urine at a signal-to-noise ratio of S/N = 3.     

Determination of acrolein in human urine by headspace gas chromatography and mass spectrometry

The aim of the present study is to examine whether noradrenergic neurons of the locus coeruleus (LC) of the rat contain monoamine oxidase (MAO) activity. Sections were processed initially for MAO enzyme histochemistry using tyramine as a substrate, followed by fluorescence immunohistochemistry for tyrosine hydroxylase (TH). In the LC, virtually all TH-immunoreactive neurons (i.e., noradrenergic neurons) were also positive for MAO. No MAO activity was found in any TH-negative neurons. Neurons in the LC have previously been shown to form dopamine during noradrenaline biosynthesis and to produce serotonin from exogenously administered l-5-hydroxytryptophan. Moreover, dopamine- and serotonin-degrading MAO activity has also been found in LC neurons. Therefore, our results indicate that MAO activity is localized within noradrenergic neurons in the LC and is likely involved in the degradation of dopamine that is endogenously synthesized, and also in the elimination of serotonin that is produced from exogenous precursors.     

Determination of alprazolam and alpha-hydroxyalprazolam in human plasma by gas chromatography/negative-ion chemical ionization mass spectrometry

A sensitive and specific method was developed for the determination of alprazolam and its major metabolite alpha-hydroxyalprazolam in plasma. After the addition of deuterium-labeled internal standards, plasma samples were buffered to pH 9 with 1 ml of saturated sodium borate buffer, extracted with toluene-methylene chloride (7:3) and evaporated to dryness. The residues were treated with N,O-bis(trimethylsilyl)trifluoroacetamide containing 1% of trimethylchlorosilane and analyzed on a Finnigan-MAT mass spectrometer operated in the negative-ion chemical ionization mode with methane as the reagent gas. Chromatographic separation was achieved on a Restek-200 capillary column using hydrogen as the carrier gas. The assay was linear from 0.25 to 50 ng ml-1 for both compounds. The intra-assay precision for alprazolam was 16.1% at 0.5 ng ml-1 and 4.6% at 50 ng ml-1 and that for alpha-hydroxyalprazolam was 15.8% at 0.5 ng ml-1 and 4.2% at 50 ng ml-1. The method was used to determine alprazolam and alpha-hydroxyalprazolam in human plasma samples collected after a single 2 mg oral does of alprazolam. A peak concentration of 32.9 ng ml-1 of alprazolam was detected at 1 h following the dose.     

Determination of seven prostanoids in 1 ml of urine by gas chromatography-negative ion chemical ionization triple stage quadrupole mass spectrometry

In an isotope dilution assay, prostaglandin (PG) E2, 6-keto-PGF1 alpha, thromboxane (Tx) B2 and their metabolites PGE-M (11 alpha-hydroxy-9,15-dioxo-2,3,4,5,20-pentanor-19-carboxyprostano ic acid), 2,3-dinor-6-keto-PGF1 alpha, 2,3-dinor-TxB2 and 11-dehydro-TxB2 were determined in urine by gas chromatography-triple stage quadrupole mass spectrometry (GC-MS-MS). After addition of deuterated internal standards, the prostaglandins were derivatized to their methoximes and extracted with ethyl acetate-hexane. The sample was further derivatized to the pentafluorobenzylesters and purified by thin-layer chromatography (TLC). Three zones were scraped from the TLC plate. The prostanoid derivatives were converted to their trimethylsilyl ethers and the products were quantified by GC-MS-MS. In each run, two or three prostanoids were determined.     

Differentiation of lysine/glutamine in peptide sequence analysis by electrospray ionization sequential mass spectrometry coupled with a quadrupole ion trap

Electrospray ionization coupled to a quadrupole ion trap mass spectrometer is used to differentiate between the isobaric amino acids lysine and glutamine in sequence analysis of peptides. Collision-induced dissociation is used for fragmentation. Several isobaric peptides with one or more lysines or glutamines at different positions were investigated. The ambiguous amino acid either in the peptide chain or at the C- or N-terminus can be clearly identified based on specific side chain fragment ions resulting from MS3 or MS4 of B- and Y"-fragment ions.     

Determination of bitertanol residues in strawberries by liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection and confirmation by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry

Heart rate (HR) and blood oxygen saturation (SaO2) were monitored before and during clinically indicated MR examinations of newborns to (a) identify any temporal relationship between MR scanning and vital sign fluctuations and (b) assess the reliability of SaO2 monitoring of dynamic changes. Fluctuations in HR (but not in SaO2) that are temporally linked to the MR image acquisition occur in most neonates during routine clinical MR examinations.     

Determination of linear alkylbenzenesulfonates and their degradation products in water samples by gas chromatography with ion-trap mass spectrometry

One hundred and five patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) were assessed for depressive symptomatology at 6 months postinjury and 66 of those patients were examined again at 12 months postinjury. At 6 months, 42% of the patients with TBI and 20% of the Other Injury Control Group (OIC) were identified as depressed. Individuals with poor outcome (as measured by Glasgow Outcome Score [GOS]) had a higher frequency of depressive symptomatology than those with good GOS outcome. At 12 months, 36% of the patients with TBI and 28% of the OIC group were identified as depressed. At 12 months, there was no difference in terms of frequency of depressive symptomatology among patients with TBI with poor, moderate, or good outcome.     

Allyldimethylsilyl ethers as derivatives for the characterization of steroids and cannabinoids by combined gas chromatography and mass spectrometry

The effect of 2-, and 4-aminopyridine (4-APYR) on the release mechanism of acetylcholine (ACh) from the nerve terminals of the Auerbach plexus-longitudinal muscle preparation of the guinea-pig ileum, suspended in eserinized Krebs' solution, was investigated. 2- and 4-APYR increased the release of ACh from the nerve terminals at rest and at both low and high frequency stimulation. The enhanced ACh release was found to be due to increased volley output. At lower frequency of stimulation, potentiation of ACh release was much higher than at higher rate of stimulation. 4-APYR was able to increase ACh release in the absence of [Ca2+]o. However, when a Ca-chelating agent, EDTA, was also added to the Ca-free Krebs' solution, 4-APYR was entirely ineffective. The depression of ACh release induced by Mg-excess was completely antagonized by 4-APYR. Tetrodotoxin (TTX) prevented augmentation of ACh release by 4-APYR. It is suggested that 4-APYR lowers the demand of nerve terminals for [Ca2+]o required for the excitation-secretion coupling process. The presence of a low concentration [Ca2+]o, however, is essential for the action of 4-APYR.     

The quantitative analysis of inhalational anaesthetics in forensic samples by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry/selected ion monitoring

In 1990 Kapolowé was, without a doubt, the site of the only surgical centre in Zaire dealing with handicaps which developed in as an after-effect of leprosy. It would be useful to explain the hazards involved in such a venture for reasons which do not pertain to medicine but, rather, to particularly trying socio-political circumstances. The best surgical expertise was thrown out for political reasons. Insecurity and economic hardships practically halted movement and, consequently, the wider application of such expertise. During a mission in 1994, there was a partial resumption of activities. The surgical team was reinstalled and made operational. It had been possible to state that multidrug therapy (MDT) had always ensured that the disabled leprosy patients, living in groups, and treated before 1990 under regular supervision, did not experience serious relapses. That fact corroborates earlier information relating particularly to surgical decompression. Although most of them were able to resume a certain measure of professional activity, social factors must still be borne in mind and the concept of partial permanent disability must be applied.     

Quantitative determination of pentaerythrityl tetranitrate and its metabolites in human plasma by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry

Levels of anticeramide antibodies and S-100 antigen in leprosy patients with and without reaction are compared in this study. The increase in levels of IgM anti ceramide antibody in the tuberculoid group of patients with reaction, when compared to those without reaction, is significant (P < 0.05). Similarly, significant increase (P < 0.01) was observed in the borderline group with reaction. No significant change in anti ceramide antibody level was observed in the lepromatous group of patients with and without reaction. Mean levels of S-100 were slightly lower in all three groups of patients with reaction, but the differences were not statistically significant.     

固相微萃取-气相色谱法测定煤气中萘

采用特制采样瓶收集煤气后,应用固相微萃取(SPME)对样品进行前处理,采用气相色谱(GC)对煤气中的萘进行测定。通过试验确定了SPME的最佳萃取条件为:采用100 μm聚二甲基硅氧烷(PDMS)萃取涂层,于转速为800 r/min时室温下萃取5 min,气相色谱解吸时间为3 min。在丙酮溶剂峰存在的情况下,基线平稳,丙酮峰对萘的测定并无影响。实验结果表明,萘在5～200 mg/m³范围内有良好的线性关系,相关系数为0.999 9。方法检出限为0.08 mg/m³。实验方法用于煤气中萘的测定,相对标准偏差(RSD,n=7)为2.6%～4.9%,加标回收率为85%～108%。     

气相色谱-质谱法测定汽油中醇类、醚类和酯类添加剂

目前市场上一些加油站中存在着在汽油中非法添加一些醇类、醚类、酯类氧化物添加剂的现象,对车辆的机动性、安全性和环保性存在潜在危害。实验建立了气相色谱-质谱法测定汽油中19种醇类、醚类和酯类添加剂含量的分析方法。通过试验优化了色谱分析的主要条件,确定了最佳分流比为1∶100,溶剂为正十一烷,稀释倍数10～100倍,同时研究了溶剂的切换时间。利用选择离子法(SIM)确定定量离子和参考离子,可以有效消除汽油中复杂成分对目标组分的影响。以各目标组分的峰面积对其相应的质量浓度作图,发现甲醇、乙醇质量浓度在5.0～100.0 mg/L、其他化合物质量浓度在1.0～20.0 mg/L范围内线性良好,校准曲线的线性相关系数在0.998 6~0.999 9之间。各组分的检出限为0.5~1.0 mg/L。对添加了标准溶液的实际样品进行精密度和正确度考察,19种组分测定结果的相对标准偏差(RSD,n=8)为2.1%～6.2%,回收率为85%～108%。对市售92#、95#、98#常见标号汽油样品进行测定,结果发现部分汽油中含有甲醇、甲基叔丁基醚(MTBE)、乙酸仲丁酯等氧化物添加剂,质量浓度在20~1 200 mg/L之间。     

Determination of an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor, MDL 73745, in dog plasma and urine by combined gas chromatography/negative ion chemical ionization mass spectrometry

A highly sensitive and specific assay has been developed for the determination of MDL 73745 [2,2,2-trifluoro-1-(3-trimethylsilyl-phenyl) ethanone] (I) and the internal standard (MDL 74398) at the nanomolar level in dog plasma and urine by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. After a single-step extraction process, an aliquot was directly injected onto the gas chromatograph column. The mass spectrometer was run in the negative ion chemical ionization mode with ammonia as reagent gas, and was set to monitor the abundant M-. ion at m/z 246 of both compounds. The method yielded a linear response over the concentration range 0.1-10 pmol 100 microliters -1 plasma or urine. Within-day reproducibility at a concentration of 0.25, 1 and 5 pmol 100 microliters -1 plasma was 8.6%, 1.0% and 1.0%, respectively. The method was applied to the determination of I in plasma and urine after administration of 1 mg kg-1 i.v. and 10 mg kg-1 p.o. to dogs.     

Quantitative determination of the angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor lisinopril in human plasma by stable isotope dilution gas chromatography/negative ion chemical ionization mass spectrometry

A simple, highly accurate and precise method for the quantitative measurement of the angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor lisinopril in human plasma is presented. The assay is based on gas chromatography/negative ion chemical ionization mass spectrometry. The preparation of stable isotope labelled lisinopril for use as an internal standard is described. The method involves solid phase extraction on C18 sorbent and derivatization to the methyl diester-trifluoroacetamide derivatives. The detection limit was found to be 50 pg and a lower limit of quantification was reached down to 0.5 ng/mL plasma.     

ESI/ion trap/ion mobility/time-of-flight mass spectrometry for rapid and sensitive analysis of biomolecular mixtures

An ion trap/ion mobility/time-of-flight mass spectrometry technique is shown to be a rapid and sensitive means of analyzing peptide/protein mixtures. In this approach, an ion trap is used to accumulate ions that have been electrosprayed from a mixture into concentrated packets. The ion packets are injected into a drift tube where components of the mixture are separated based on differences in mobility through a buffer gas. Ions that exit the drift tube are dispersed in a time-of-flight mass spectrometer for mass-to-charge (m/z) determination. The gas-phase separation strategy reduces congestion in the mass spectrum, and experimental mobilities complement m/z measurements in assigning peaks. Examples of the application of the approach to identification of peptides (from tryptic digests) and to separation of charge-state distributions from electrospray of a mixture containing ubiquitin and myoglobin are presented. Most peptides that are observed from tryptic digests of proteins such as cytochrome c and myoglobin can be identified from data that are acquired in under 1 min; studies of mixtures with known compositions indicate that detection limits are approximately 0.5-3 pmol for individual components. Factors that may influence the distributions that are observed, such as storage time in the trap, injection voltages used for the mobility experiment, and variations in ion cross section with charge state, are discussed.     

Procedures for tandem mass spectrometry on an ion trap storage/reflectron time-of-flight mass spectrometer

In this work, we demonstrate tandem mass spectrometry on an ion trap storage-reflectron time-of-flight mass spectrometer (IT/reTOFMS). Ion isolation and activation were achieved by resonant excitation using multi- and single-frequency waveforms generated from an analog circuit. Product-ion spectra of small polypeptides are obtained, which are comparable in fragmentation to those acquired on sector or hybrid mass spectrometers. Several important parameters governing the tandem mass spectrometry process, including the activation tickle voltage, type of collision gas, activation period and cooling period after the fragmentation were optimized using leucine-enkephalin as a model. Although the limited energy deposition from collisional activation in our experiments does not allow efficient fragmentation of large singly charged polypeptides with m/z higher than 1000, the problem may be partially solved by taking advantage of fragmenting the multiply charged ions produced from the electrospray ionization source as demonstrated for a synthetic polypeptide of molecular weight 2782. Compared to the singly charged form, the reduced m/z of multiply charged forms experience a greater trapping force as described by the pseudopotential well-depth model. Increased pseudopotential well-depths for multiply charged species permit the use of greater fragmentation energy at lower RF potentials. These conditions facilitate the fragmentation of large polypeptides, yet are suitable for trapping singly charged fragments. These experiments indicate that the high efficiency associated with ion dissociation and fragment-ion collection in the trap and the storage capability for detection of ions using the non-scanning mode of the IT/ reTOF analyzer may provide an alternative means for acquiring sequence-specific information of polypeptides at low picomol levels of sensitivity.     

离子色谱法测定废气中甲酸

采用离子色谱法分离电导检测废气中甲酸的含量。考察Dionex IonPac AS18和Ion-PacAS11-HC色谱分离柱在不同淋洗液浓度条件下对甲酸的分离效果,淋洗液流速对分离的影响。讨论绘制校准曲线时标准溶液介质的选择。结果表明:当用Dionex IonPac AS18柱,5mmol/L氢氧化钾为淋洗液,以1.0 mL/min的淋洗速度进行梯度洗脱并用吸收液配制校准曲线的标准溶液时可达到预期废气中甲酸分析的目的。该法线性范围为0.1~10 mg/L和10~100 mg/L,检出限为0.007 mg/m3。用本法测定甲酸生产装置30 m高度排气筒废气中的甲酸回收率为88%~104%。