Detection of fluticasone propionate in horse plasma and urine following inhaled administration.

This study focuses on detecting the presence of the anti-inflammatory drug fluticasone propionate (FP) in horse plasma and urine. Through the development of specific analysis methods, FP was detected in plasma for at least 72 hours after being administered in inhalation form to racehorses and in urine for about 18 hours after administration.

Overview of Research

• The research aims to devise a means to assess the presence and duration of FP in horse plasma and urine, following topical and inhaled application for managing Inflammatory Airway Disease in racehorses.
• The need to track FP incidence comes from its propensity to be misused in the racing industry, reinforcing the importance of this study.

Methods Development

• To extract and analyze FP from horse plasma – and FP’s byproduct, FP-17βCOOH, from horse urine – the researchers developed specific methods.
• Ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography (UPLC-MS/MS) was used to detect the extremely low concentrations of analytes present in both the blood and urine of horses.

Experiment Procedure

• After formulating the extraction and analysis methods, the researchers tested their application by administering FP to six thoroughbred horses via inhalation.
• They then collected and analyzed plasma and urine samples from the subjects.

Results

• The results confirmed that the methods developed were effective: FP was detected in plasma for at least 72 hours following administration and FP-17βCOOH was detected in urine for approximately 18 hours thereafter.
• This suggests that the defined techniques can provide a reliable means of detecting FP misuse, given its prolonged detectability post-administration.

Significance

• The successful detection of FP in horse plasma and urine represents a significant step in controlling its potential misuse in racehorse treatment.
• With these methods, regulatory bodies can identify potential misuse and enforce measures to maintain fair competition, supporting the integrity and welfare of the animals.