Evaluation of the potential for interference by dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) in drug detection in racing animals.

This study examines the possibility of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) being used as a masking agent to hide the presence of drugs in racing horses. The experiment showed that DMSO does not interfere with the detection of certain drugs in horses’ urine samples.

Research Context

• Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) is a substance suspected of being a ‘masking agent’. A masking agent is a substance that can conceal or hide the fact that an animal has taken performance enhancing or other banned drugs.
• This study was conducted since there is an ongoing issue in drug detection in sport involving racing animals, particularly horses.

Research Methodology

• In this study, eight drugs namely, flunixin, furosemide, caffeine, apomorphine, phenylbutazone, lidocaine, cocaine, and acepromazine maleate were given to six horses both individually and along with DMSO.
• These drugs have been chosen as they are commonly used therapeutic or prohibited drugs in racing animals.
• The drugs were introduced into the horses and then urine samples from each horse were taken for analysis.
• The presence of the drugs or their metabolites were identified and measured using a method called ‘thin layer chromatography’ which is a technique for separating organic compounds.

Research Findings

• Through a direct comparison of thin layer chromatograms of extracts of positive urine samples with and without DMSO, the researchers confirmed that DMSO did not interfere with the detection of these eight drugs.
• This is an important finding because it rules out DMSO as a masking agent for these drugs, which strengthens the integrity of anti-doping controls in animal racing.

Research Significance

• The result of this research contributes to the ongoing investigation on possible masking agents used in horse racing industry which might interfere with the detection of banned substances.
• It provides a scientific base against the use of DMSO as a so-called masking agent. It supports the fair conduct of horse racing and other animal sports by ensuring drug tests are not undermined by the use of DMSO.