Simple and sensitive method for measurement of metoclopramide in cattle plasma by LC-MS/MS using a multimode chromatography.

A quantitative assay method using LC/ESI-MS/MS for simultaneous determination of MCP in cattle plasma was developed and validated. Chromatographic separation was carried out using a multimode column (2 × 150 mm, 3 μm) with gradient elution (0.05% formic acid/methanol with 0.05% formic acid). MCP and levosulpiride (internal standard) were analyzed in the precursor/product ion pair of m/z 300.1/226.9 and 342.0/112.0, respectively. Linear calibration curves were obtained in the range of 2.5-500 ng/ml (R(2)>0.999) with a lower limit of quantification of 0.05 ng/ml. Mean recoveries were 96-103%, and the coefficient of variation was less than 6.5%. Plasma MCP concentrations after intravenous administration at 0.4 mg/kg to 12 cattle were determined by the LC-MS/MS method.