A new analytical method for stereoisomers of methamphetamine and amphetamine and its application to forensic toxicology.
We have developed a rapid and sensitive high-performance liquid chromatographic method for the determination of low concentrations of the stereoisomers of methamphetamine (MAMP) and the demethylated metabolite, amphetamine (AMP). The acetyl derivatives of the stereoisomers (d and l-form) of MAMP and AMP smuggled by gangsters or extracted from biological specimens (hair) of drug addicts were clearly separated on two stereoisomer-analytical columns (Chiralcel OB and OJ, Daicel Ind. Co., Japan) connected in series at 50 degrees C. The mobile phase was a mixture of n-hexane and isopropanol (9:1, v/v) and the UV detector was set at 220 nm. The practical limit of sensitivity for the analysis was 62.5 ng of the stereoisomers of MAMP and AMP. Our analytical method for MAMP and AMP in human hair is very useful for the diagnosis of abuse of the drug. The determination of the d/l ratio of MAMP and AMP (the fingerprint of MAMP and AMP) is applicable to the investigation of smuggling routes of these drugs.
Nagai
T
T
Faculty of Bioscience, School of Hygienic Sciences, Kitasato University, Kanagawa, Japan.
Sato
M
M
Nagai
T
T
Kamiyama
S
S
Miura
Y
Y
D000661:Amphetamine / Q000032:analysis*; D002851:Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid; D005554:Forensic Medicine; D006197:Hair / Q000032:analysis; D006801:Humans; D013287:Illicit Drugs / Q000032:analysis; D008694:Methamphetamine / Q000032:analysis*; D012015:Reference Standards; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D013237:Stereoisomerism; D015813:Substance Abuse Detection / Q000379:methods
D013287:Illicit Drugs; D008694:Methamphetamine; D000661:Amphetamine