Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis of β2-agonists in bovine retina

Accumulation of several drugs, including beta(2)-agonists, such as clenbuterol, in melanin-containing tissues (e.g retina or hair) has been demonstrated. This fact allows for retrospective monitoring of the usage of these growth promoters. Here, a multiresidue gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) method for the analysis of several beta(2)-agonist compounds in bovine retina is proposed. The method is based on solid phase extraction (SPE) using a mixed stationary phase and derivatisation with N-methyl-N-(trimethylsilyl)trifluoroacetamide (MSTFA). Recoveries estimated from spiked samples ranged between 27.0 (salbutamol) and 53.2% (tulobuterol); detection limit (DL) with a signal-to-noise ratio equal to 10 for the least abundant ion was fixed at 70 ng/g retina for all compounds. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.