Research and identification of tranquillizers – use of retention index.
Abstract: At the request of the Service des Haras, our laboratory works on the toxicological problems of the sport-horse. These studies have resulted in the setting up of an anti-doping control for equestrian competitions of various types, not only flat racing. During events, horses, must be calm and docile to the riders' order. Frequently, the latter use tranquillizers to try and win events. The analytical method for the research and identification of these compounds is described. The technique involves successively: 1. alkalinisation of the sample - saliva, blood or urine after enzymatic hydrolysis. 2. extraction with diethyl ether - the recovery is 70% to 90% depending upon the drug. 3. determination by gas-liquid chromatography with use of a retention index for qualitative analysis. We can detect up to fifteen tranquillizers in any one sample, even when present at such low concentrations as found in saliva. The use of the retention index is a reliable method for qualitative analysis. For example, the method has been used for three years, during which period the rentention index of acetylpromazine remained at 3240 +/- 7. The chromatographic analysis was performed on 3% OV-17 at 290 degrees. The chromatographic analysis has been performed by three columns of different polarity (OV-1; OV-17; SP-2250). If on the three columns, the retention index of one peak is the same as that of the tranquilizer, a further confirmation is made with the use of a thermionic detector specific for nitrogenous drugs. In conclusion, this method which is sufficiently precise and specific has been used for anti-doping control.
Publication Date: 1976-10-01 PubMed ID: 1000160PubMed Central: PMC1859705DOI: 10.1136/bjsm.10.3.143Google Scholar: Lookup
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- Journal Article
Summary
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This research study outlines a precise method for identifying tranquilizers in sport horses, aimed at establishing an anti-doping control system during equestrian competitions.
Research Purpose and Context
- This research was commissioned by the Service des Haras to address concerns about the use of tranquillizers on sport-horses during equestrian competitions.
- The aim was to develop a reliable and precise method to identify these tranquilizers, thereby setting up an anti-doping control system not only for flat racing, but also for various other types of equestrian competitions.
- Tranquilizers are used by riders to make their horses calm and obedient to gain an advantage during competitions.
Methodology
- Firstly, samples (saliva, blood, or urine) from the horses were alkalinised after conducting an enzymatic hydrolysis.
- Next, the samples underwent extractions using diethyl ether. This step ensures a recovery rate between 70-90% depending on the type of drug used.
- The samples were then analyzed using a technique called gas-liquid chromatography. This process used a ‘retention index’ for qualitative analysis.
- The method showed a capability to detect up to fifteen types of tranquillizers in any given sample, even in minute concentrations like those found in saliva.
Reliability and Use of Retention Index
- The retention index proved to be a reliable method for qualitative analysis.
- For instance, it consistently indicated the same value (3240 +/- 7) for acetylpromazine over a period of three years.
- Chromatographic analysis was carried out at 290 degrees Celsius on 3% OV-17 using three columns of different polarity (OV-1; OV-17; SP-2250).
- If a peak’s retention index on all three columns matched that of a tranquilizer, a thermionic detector specific for nitrogenous drugs was then used for further confirmation.
Conclusion and Utility
- This method was found to be precise and specific enough for use in anti-doping control.
- The procedure has been carried through under real conditions and have proved their value in an applied context.
Cite This Article
APA
Courtot D.
(1976).
Research and identification of tranquillizers – use of retention index.
Br J Sports Med, 10(3), 143-146.
https://doi.org/10.1136/bjsm.10.3.143 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Benzodiazepines / analysis
- Butyrophenones / analysis
- Chromatography, Gas
- Chromatography, Liquid
- Horses / metabolism
- Methods
- Phenothiazines / analysis
- Tranquilizing Agents / analysis
References
This article includes 4 references
- Moffat AC, Stead AH, Smalldon KW. Optimum use of paper, thin-layer and gas-liquid chromatography for the identification of basic drugs. 3. Gas-liquid chromatography.. J Chromatogr 1974 Mar 13;90(1):19-33.
- Stead AH, Moffat AC, Caddy B, Fish F, Scott D. A comparison of gas-liquid chromatographic retention indices on support-coated open tubular columns and on packed columns for a series of central nervous stimulant drugs.. J Chromatogr 1973 Sep 26;84(2):392-5.
- Proelss HF, Lohmann HJ. Profile of sedatives and tranquilizers in serum, as measured by gas-liquid chromatography.. Clin Chem 1971 Mar;17(3):222-8.
- Street HV. Gas-liquid chromatography of submicrogram amounts of drugs. 3. Analysis of alkaloids in biological media.. J Chromatogr 1967 Jul;29(1):68-79.
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