title: Detection and quantification of dermorphin and selected analogs in equine urine.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Dermorphin, a hepta-peptide with potent analgesic properties, is classified as a doping agent in equine racing. Since its discovery, a number of biologically active structural analogs have been synthesized and made commercially available so there is a need for reliable methods of detection.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A sensitive detection method was developed for dermorphin and six analogs in equine urine. Peptide enrichment was achieved using weak cation exchange with subsequent separation and detection by nano-UHPLC-MS/MS. Method validation parameters included: specificity, linearity (5-10000 pg/ml), recovery (58-93%), intra and inter-assay repeatability, LOD (5-50 pg/ml) and matrix effects.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The presented method will facilitate the control of the abuse of dermorphin and selected analogs in equine sports.
authors: Australian Racing Forensic Laboratory, Racing NSW, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
authors: Stacey L
authors: SL
authors: Richards
authors: Adam T
authors: AT
authors: Cawley
authors: Mark J
authors: MJ
authors: Raftery
mesh_terms: D000701:Analgesics, Opioid / Q000032:analysis / Q000652:urine*; D000818:Animals; D002851:Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid / Q000379:methods / Q000662:veterinary*; D006736:Horses / Q000652:urine*; D057230:Limit of Detection; D018847:Opioid Peptides / Q000032:analysis / Q000652:urine*; D015813:Substance Abuse Detection / Q000379:methods / Q000662:veterinary*; D053719:Tandem Mass Spectrometry / Q000379:methods / Q000662:veterinary*
chemical_list: D000701:Analgesics, Opioid; D018847:Opioid Peptides; C030058:dermorphin