title: LC-MS/MS approaches for the assay of bis-quaternary pyridinium oximes used as AChE reactivators in biological matrices.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Extreme efforts are made for the structural diversification of oximes used as AChE reactivators. Co-administration of different oximes should also be considered as a solution in therapy. Consequently, development of selective assays of oximes in biological matrices is of major importance.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Three chromatographic separation mechanisms were evaluated: hydrophilic-interaction LC; mixed reversed-phase/cation exchange (DUET); and reversed-phase ion pairing based on per-fluorinated agents. MS was used to identify and quantify oximes. Alternative preparation of whole blood and plasma samples were used based on protein precipitation through addition of acetonitrile or ionic liquids. Quality characteristics of the proposed analytical approaches are discussed.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The reversed-phase ion pairing based on per-fluorinated agents chromatographic separation mechanism and positive ESI-MS/MS detection produced the best results for the assay of bis-quaternary pyridinium oximes. LLOQ in the tenths of nanogram per milliliter range are achievable.
authors.affiliation: University of Medicine & Pharmacy Carol Davila, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Toxicology & Psychopharmacology, 8 Scoala Floreasca Street, Bucharest, 011643, Romania.
authors.forename: Victor
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Voicu
authors.forename: Florin
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Albu
authors.forename: Florentin
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Tache
authors.forename: Kamil
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Musilek
authors.forename: Kamil
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Kuca
authors.forename: Andrei
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Medvedovici
mesh_terms: D000110:Acetylcholinesterase / Q000737:chemistry; D002801:Cholinesterase Reactivators / Q000737:chemistry*; D002853:Chromatography, Liquid / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D010091:Oximes / Q000097:blood* / Q000737:chemistry*; D011726:Pyridinium Compounds / Q000097:blood* / Q000737:chemistry*; D053719:Tandem Mass Spectrometry / Q000379:methods*
chemical_list: D002801:Cholinesterase Reactivators; D010091:Oximes; D011726:Pyridinium Compounds; D000110:Acetylcholinesterase