Comparison of HPLC and GC-MS methods for determination of embutramide (a component of Tanax or T-61) in biological specimens

Acute oral toxicity assessment of ethanolic extracts of Antidesma bunius (L.) Spreng fruits in mice

•

In treated mice, mortality during 14-day experimental period was not observed.

•

Bignay extract did not cause behavioral, respiratory and neurologic changes.

•

Liver, kidney, stomach, intestines and esophagus remained intact post Bignay treatment.

•

16 volatile compounds and 10 secondary metabolites were identified.

The aim of the study is to assess the acute oral toxicity of ethanolic extracts of Antidesma bunius (L.) Spreng [Bignay] in ICR mice in accordance to OECD guideline 423. Single doses of Bignay fruit extracts ranging from 500 mg/kg to 2000 mg/kg, as well as a vehicle control, were given orally and monitored for 14 days. We observed that there is no mortality or adverse effects after treatment of mice indicating that Bignay extracts are safe for use in laboratory animals. Behavioral, respiratory, and neurologic changes, as well as changes in body weight, food and water consumption, did not occur during the experimental period. Hematological- (total-red and -white blood cells) and biochemical-profile analysis (alanine transaminase, blood urea nitrogen, and creatinine) remained within normal concentrations in treated mice regardless of sex. The morphology of visceral organs in all treated mice was typical in appearance when stained with H&E. It is assumed that the LD₅₀ is greater than 2000 mg/kg and there is no mortality at the maximum dose used (2000 mg/kg). We have also determined the active components of dried Bignay by headspace GC–MS and by phytochemical analysis of ethanolic Bignay extracts. We have identified 16 compounds by GC–MS and 10 secondary metabolites. In this study, the assessment of extracted Antidesma bunius (L.) Spreng fruits [Bignay] on the value of safety measures in mice is described.

Development of a liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method for an euthanasic veterinarian drug: Tanax

A development of a rapid and sensitive LC-MS/MS method for the simultaneous detection of active ingredients of the euthanasic veterinarian drug Tanax mixture is described. The method proposed, with a retention time of few minutes (6 min) was developed for an equine serum sample with solid-phase extraction (S.P.E). This S.P.E. procedure has been revealed useful for the determination of very low concentrations of Tanax analytes (0.05-1 ng/ml). The method was validated in terms of specificity/selectivity, sensitivity, recovery and precision.

Suicide by injection of a veterinarian barbiturate euthanasia agent: report of a case and toxicological analysis

The history and toxicological findings of a suicidal case involving injection of a veterinarian barbiturate euthanasia agent (Vetanarcol containing pentobarbital are presented. Blood pentobarbital concentrations compatible with drug overdose were determined. Almost identical levels were found in blood, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and vitreous humour (VH). The highest concentration was measured in the bile. The present case is compared with similar rare cases in the literature.