Validation of an LC-MS Method for the Detection and Quantification of BZP and TFMPP and Their Hydroxylated Metabolites in Human Plasma and Its Application to the Pharmacokinetic Study of TFMPP in Humans

• NCJ Number: 232582
• Journal: Journal of Forensic Sciences Volume: 55 Issue: 5 Dated: September 2010 Pages: 1311-1318
• Author(s): Ushtana Antia, M.Sc.; Malcolm D. Tingle, Ph.D.; Bruce R. Russell, Ph.D.
• Date Published: September 2010
• Length: 8 pages
• Sponsoring Agency: New Zealand Health Research Council
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

An LC-MS method was developed for benzylpiperazine (BZP) and trifluoromethylphenylpiperazine (TFMPP), constituents of "party pills" or "legal herbal highs," and their metabolites in human blood plasma.

Abstract

Compounds were resolved using a mixture of ammonium formate (pH 4.5, 0.01 M) and acetonitrile (flow rate of 1.0 mL/min) with a C18 column. Calibration curves were linear from 1 to 50 ng/mL (R(2) greater than 0.99); the lower limit of quantification (LLOQ) was 5 ng/mL; the accuracy was greater than 90 percent; the intra- and interday relative standard deviations (R.S.D) were less than 5 percent and less than 10 percent, respectively. Human plasma concentrations of TFMPP were measured in blood samples taken from healthy adults (n = 6) over 24 h following a 60-mg oral dose of TFMPP: these peaked at 24.10 ng/mL (+/- 1.8 ng/mL) (C(max) ) after 90 min (T(max)). Plasma concentrations of 1-(3-trifluoromethyl-4-hydroxyphenyl) piperazine peaked at 20.2 ng/mL (+/- 4.6 ng/mL) after 90 min. TFMPP had two disposition phases (t(1/2) = 2.04 h (+/- 0.19 h) and 5.95 h (+/- 1.63 h). Apparent clearance (Cl/F) was 384 L/h (+/- 45 L/h). (Published Abstract)