CPC G01N 33/9406 (2013.01) [G01N 33/9413 (2013.01); G01N 33/942 (2013.01); G01N 33/9426 (2013.01); G01N 33/944 (2013.01)] | 15 Claims |
1. A method for simultaneous analysis of neurotransmitters and/or their metabolites, comprising (a) separating analytes comprising a plurality of neurotransmitters and/or their metabolites from a sample selected from body tissues, body fluids, secretions, and excretions, (b) derivatizing the analytes with ethyl chloroformate to obtain derivatives of the plurality of neurotransmitters and/or their metabolites, (c) separating the derivatives of the plurality of neurotransmitters and/or their metabolites by liquid chromatography, and (d) subjecting the separated derivatives of the neurotransmitters or their metabolites to multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) using a mass spectrometer, wherein the neurotransmitters and/or their metabolites have a limit of detection (LOD) of <0.1 ng/ml; and
wherein step (b) comprises (b-1) adding a mixed solution of ethanol and pyrimidine and ethyl chloroformate to the separated analytes to derivatize the analytes and (b-2) adding an organic solvent to the derivatized analytes, extracting the derivatives of the neurotransmitters and/or their metabolites by liquid-liquid extraction, and concentrating the derivatives.
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