Simultaneous determination of imperatorin and its 2 metabolites in dog plasma by using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.

Lu Wang, Wen Lu, Qi Shen, Shengjia Wang, Hui Zhou, Lushan Yu, Sicen Wang, Huidi Jiang, Langchong He, Su Zeng

Index: J. Pharm. Biomed. Anal. 70 , 640-6, (2012)

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Abstract

In this study, 2 metabolites of imperatorin, imperatorin hydroxylate (IMH) and imperatorin epoxide (IME), were identified for the first time in dog plasma. A sensitive, specific, and accurate high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method was then developed for the simultaneous quantification of imperatorin and its 2 metabolites in dog plasma. Separation was achieved on an Agilent ZORBAX Extend-C(18) column (2.1 mm × 50 mm, 3.5 μm) at 30 °C. The mobile phase consisted of 0.02% ammonium acetate solution-methanol with a gradient program at a flow rate of 0.3 mL/min. Detection was performed using an electrospray ionization source operating in positive ion multiple reaction monitoring mode and by monitoring the ion transitions from 271 to 203 m/z for imperatorin, 309.4-224.1 m/z for IMH, 287-203 m/z for IME, and 441.3-325.2 m/z for simvastatin (the internal standard). Good linearity was shown over the concentration range of 1-500 ng/mL for imperatorin, and 0.2-500 ng/mL for IMH and IME. The validated method was successfully applied to a pharmacokinetic study of imperatorin in beagle dogs. The pharmacokinetic profiles of imperatorin and its 2 metabolites showed sex differences after the i.v. administration of imperatorin at a dose of 5 mg/kg.Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.