Quantitative gas chromatographic mass spectrometric determination of 1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-ß-carboline in human plasma and platelets

A sensitive and specific method is described for the determination of 1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-ß-carboline in human plasma, based on selected ion monitoring gas chromatography mass spectrometry and employing a deuterium analogue as internal standard. The identification of 1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-ß-carboline is based on monitoring ions m/z143, 171,199 and 368 for the heptafluorobutyryl derivative of 1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-ß-carboline or the normal mass spectrum. For quantitation the ratio of ions m/z368/370 was used. The mean of 1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-ß-carboline level in human plasma (n= 10) was 8.78± 1.94 ng ml-1and 5.68±1.34 ng in platelets corresponding 1 ml of platelet rich plasma.