[Thin layer chromatography in systematic, toxicologic analysis processes].

Using the patch-clamp technique, we determined that Pandinus imperator scorpion venom blocked whole-cell n-type K+ currents in human peripheral blood lymphocytes in a dose-dependent manner with Kd = 0.02 microgram/ml. K+ channel block was instantaneous and removable by washing with venom-free extracellular solution. The venom-induced block was independent of membrane potential. The venom did not influence activation and inactivation kinetics of the K+ channels, however, accelerated recovery from inactivation. Purified peptides Pi1, Pi2, and Pi3 from the P. imperator venom powerfully blocked Kv1.3 channels in human lymphocytes with Kd values of 9.7 nM, 50 pM, and 0.5 nM, respectively. Flow cytometric membrane potential measurements with the oxonol dye showed that Pi2, the most effective peptide toxin of the P. imperator venom, depolarizes human lymphocytes in accordance with its K+ channel blocking effect.

Barbiturates↗

PubMed1998

Supercritical fluid extraction and negative ion electrospray liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry analysis of phenobarbital, butalbital, pentobarbital and thiopental in human serum.

Four commonly used barbiturates (phenobarbital, butalbital, pentobarbital and thiopental) were analyzed in human serum using supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) and negative ionization LC/ESI-MS/MS. Barbital was used as the internal standard. Carbon dioxide SFE was performed at 40 degrees C and 500 atm, with a total extraction time of 35 min. The analytes were collected off-line in a liquid trap containing absolute methanol. Samples were then concentrated by vacuum centrifugation. The high performance liquid chromatography separation utilized gradient elution with a total analysis time of 21 min. The precursor and major product ions for the four barbiturates were monitored on a triple quadrupole mass spectrometer with negative ion electrospray ionization (ESI) in the multiple reaction monitoring mode as follows: (1) thiopental (m/z 241.20-->58.00), (2) phenobarbital (m/z 231.10-->188.0), (3) pentobarbital (m/z 225.10-->181.90) and (4) butalbital (m/z 222.80-->179.90). In the case of phenobarbital, pentobarbital and butalbital, the most abundant product ion arises from the loss of 43 u (HCNO loss). However, in the case of thiopental, the most abundant product ion was observed at m/z 58.0 (the [M-183]-ion, or NCS-). Mechanisms for the formation of the collision induced dissociation reaction products of these barbiturates are proposed.

Barbiturates↗

PubMed1998

Hydroxyl radicals production in the vanadium ions/dialuric acid systems.

1. The effects of vanadium ions on the .OH radical production in the presence of and in the absence of dialuric acid were studied. 2. Dialuric acid enhanced deoxyribose degradation. 3. Vanadium ions and vanadium/EDTA complexes decreased the degradation of deoxyribose in the presence and in the absence of dialuric acid. 4. The question as to whether or not free .OH radicals are formed via reaction of vanadium ions with H2O2 in the presence of dialuric acid is discussed. 5. The results are interpreted with a view to the vanadium ability to decrease the toxic effects of dialuric acid.

Barbiturates↗