Quantification of sirolimus by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry using on-line solid-phase extraction

Vogeser, Michael; Fleischer, Claudia; Meiser, Bruno; Groetzner, Jan; Spöhrer, Ute and Seidel, Dietrich (2002): Quantification of sirolimus by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry using on-line solid-phase extraction. In: Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, Vol. 40, No. 1: pp. 40-45

Abstract

Quantification of the new immunosuppressant sirolimus (syn. rapamycin; Rapamune((R))) in whole blood by chromatography is essential for its clinical use since no immunoassay is available although monitoring is mandatory. Here we report on a rapid and convenient liquid chromatography (LC)-tandem mass spectrometry method and describe our practical experience with its routine use. Whole blood samples were hemolyzed and deproteinized using an equal volume (150 mul) of a mixture of methanol/zinc sulfate solution containing the internal standard desmethoxy-rapamycin. After centrifugation, the clear supernatants were submitted to an on-line solid-phase extraction procedure using the polymeric Waters Oasis HLB(R) material, with elution of the extracts onto the analytical column in the back-flush mode by column switching. For analytical chromatography a RP-C18 column was used with 90/10 methanol/2 mM ammonium acetate as the mobile phase. A 1:10 split was used for the transfer to the mass spectrometer, a Micromass Quattro LC-tandem mass spectrometry system equipped with a Z-spray((R)) source and used in the positive electrospray ionization mode. The following transitions were recorded: sirolimus, 931>864 m/z, and desmethoxy-rapamycin (I.S.), 901>834 m/z. The analytical running time was 5 min, including on-line extraction. The method has a linear calibration curve (r>0.99; range 1.6-50 mug/l) and is rugged and precise with monthly CVs <7% at a sirolimus concentration of 13.1 mug/l in routine use; the instrumentation proved to be reliable and required minimal maintenance.

• Item Type: Journal article
• Form of publication: Publisher's Version
• Faculties: Medicine
• Subjects: 600 Technology > 610 Medicine and health
• ISSN: 1434-6621
• Alliance/National Licence: This publication is with permission of the rights owner freely accessible due to an Alliance licence and a national licence (funded by the DFG, German Research Foundation) respectively.
• Language: English