GC-MS and GC-MS/MS in PCI mode determination of mescaline in peyote tea and in biological matrices.
Peyote, a cactus containing the hallucinogen mescaline, is used to induce altered states of consciousness in religious ceremonies or for recreational purpose. This study reports a case of an underage boy suspected of mescaline abuse. For this purpose, we analyzed a dark green liquid sample found in the bedroom of the boy whose urine and hair samples were collected shortly after the drink was found. A method by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry tandem mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS) in positive chemical ionization mode was developed and validated in terms of linearity, specificity, accuracy, and sensitivity for mescaline determination at the low concentrations present in hair. GC-MS analysis of the liquid identified mescaline, while urine was negative; GC-MS/MS segmental hair analysis identified mescaline in the proximal segment (root to 2 cm), while the distal segments were negative. Although peyote was uncommonly encountered, its use was confirmed by segmental hair analysis that can provide long-term information about drugs use.
Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Division of Legal and Sports Medicine, University of Perugia, Padiglione W, via E. dal Pozzo, 06123, Perugia, Italy. cristiana.gambelunghe@unipg.it
Cristiana
C
Gambelunghe
Remo
R
Marsili
Kyriaki
K
Aroni
Mauro
M
Bacci
Riccardo
R
Rossi
D000293:Adolescent; D053593:Forensic Toxicology; D008401:Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry; D006197:Hair / Q000737:chemistry*; D006213:Hallucinogens / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000032:analysis*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008635:Mescaline / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000032:analysis*; D015813:Substance Abuse Detection / Q000379:methods*; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis; D053719:Tandem Mass Spectrometry; D013662:Tea / Q000737:chemistry*
D006213:Hallucinogens; D013662:Tea; D008635:Mescaline