title: A validated liquid chromatographic/tandem mass spectrometric method for the determination of phencyclidine in microliter samples of rat serum.
abstract: A liquid chromatographic/tandem mass spectrometric method is described for the determination of phencyclidine (PCP) in small volumes of rat serum (e.g. 50 microl). Samples were extracted using a mixed-mode strong cation-exchange column and then separated isocratically using a narrow-bore (2.1 mm i.d.) 3 microm Hypersil phenyl column and a mobile phase consisting of an ammonium formate buffer (pH 2.7) with 60% (v/v) methanol. Detection was accomplished using positive ion electrospray ionization in the multiple reaction monitoring mode. Mass spectra were obtained and peaks were observed at an m/z (% abundance) of 244 (100), 159 (25), and 86 (89). Tandem mass spectra were also obtained from the m/z 244 precursor ion with peaks observed at m/z 159 (100), 86 (96), and 91 (11). Optimum serum PCP sensitivity and precision were obtained at a transition of m/z 244 --> 159. Matrix-associated ion suppression did not significantly affect the accuracy (100-112%) or precision (CV < or =8%) of the assay. The lower limit of quantitation was 1 ng ml(-1) in 50 microl of serum. The method was used to study the serum pharmacokinetics of PCP in rats after an intravenous bolus dose of PCP.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Medicine, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, 4301 West Markham Street, Little Rock, Arkansas 72205, USA. hendricksonhowardp@uams.edu
authors.forename: Howard P
authors.initials: HP
authors.lastname: Hendrickson
authors.forename: E Cathrine
authors.initials: EC
authors.lastname: Whaley
authors.forename: S Michael
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Owens
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002851:Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid; D006213:Hallucinogens / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000097:blood* / Q000493:pharmacokinetics; D007275:Injections, Intravenous; D008297:Male; D010622:Phencyclidine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000097:blood* / Q000493:pharmacokinetics; D051381:Rats; D017207:Rats, Sprague-Dawley; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D021241:Spectrometry, Mass, Electrospray Ionization / Q000379:methods*; D015813:Substance Abuse Detection / Q000379:methods*
chemical_list: D006213:Hallucinogens; D010622:Phencyclidine