Residue analysis of glucocorticoids in bovine milk by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry

Anal Bioanal Chem. 2010 Jul;397(6):2477-90. doi: 10.1007/s00216-010-3774-9. Epub 2010 May 14.

Abstract

A sensitive liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method for the simultaneous determination of 13 steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in bovine milk is presented. Due to their weakly acid nature, analytes were separated by ion suppression reversed phase chromatography and detected in positive-ion mode by a high flow electrospray source. Dexamethasone-d4 was used as internal standard. The sample preparation was simple and reliable; it included acidic deproteinization of milk followed by sample enrichment and clean-up, utilizing a C18 solid phase extraction cartridge. Recoveries exceeded 70% with an intra-day precision not larger than 12%. The efficiency of the sample clean-up and internal standardization rendered negligible the matrix effect, estimated by comparing standard and matrix-matched calibration curves. A small-scale reconnaissance was carried out on several raw and whole fresh milk samples. A large number of analyzed samples showed a chromatographic peak, in the retention time window of cortisol, at levels included between its decision limit (CCalpha) and detection capability (CCbeta). As a result of a heat-induced transformation, an isomeric product of triamcinolone was observed during the extract evaporation. Since this rearrangement might occur during the milk pasteurization process, LC-MS/MS and (1)H-NMR investigations were performed out to conclusively differentiate the two isomers. One- and two-dimensional proton NMR spectra were able to identify the transformation product as 9a-fluoro-11b,16a-trihydroxy-17b-hydroxymethyl-D-homoandrosta-1,4-diene-3,17a-dione.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents / analysis
  • Chromatography, Liquid / methods
  • Chromatography, Reverse-Phase
  • Glucocorticoids / analysis*
  • Milk / chemistry*
  • Spectrometry, Mass, Electrospray Ionization
  • Tandem Mass Spectrometry / methods*

Substances

  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents
  • Glucocorticoids