Analysis of beta-agonists by HPLC/ESI-MSn in horse doping control

A sensitive method using LC/ESI-MSn has been developed on a quadrupole linear ion trap mass analyser for the detection of nine beta(2) agonists (cimaterol, clenbuterol, fenoterol, formoterol, mabuterol, terbutaline, ractopamine, salbutamol and salmeterol) in horse urine. The method consists of solid-phase extraction on CSDAU cartridges before analysis by LC/ESI-MSn. The efficiency of extraction combined with the sensitivity and the selectivity of MSn allowed the detection of these compounds at pg/mL levels. Administration studies of fenoterol and formoterol are reported and show their possible detection after inhalation. The method is applicable for screening and confirmatory analysis. Copyright (C) 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.