title: Determination of amitriptyline and nortriptyline in human plasma by quantitative thin-layer chromatography.
abstract: A thin-layer chromatographic method for simultaneous determination of amitriptyline (AT) and nortriptyline (NT) in human plasma is described. Both substances are extracted from biological material by means of a single extraction. The extract is evaporated until dry and the residue quantitatively applied to a silica gel thin-layer plate. AT and NT are separated from interfering plasma components by chromatography. The spots are visualized by nitration, reduction and coupling with N-(1-naphtyl)ethylenediamine on the plate. The intensity of the azo-dyes formed can be measured densitometrically. Using 1 ml of plasma, the sensitivity limit was 0.5 ng/ml for both substances. About 10--15 plasma samples can be analysed per day. The method is applicable to pharmacokinetic studies after a single oral dose of 25 mg AT as hydrochloride in man.
mesh_terms: D000639:Amitriptyline / Q000097:blood*; D002855:Chromatography, Thin Layer; D003720:Densitometry; D006801:Humans; D009661:Nortriptyline / Q000097:blood*
chemical_list: D000639:Amitriptyline; D009661:Nortriptyline