A sensitive LC-ESI-MS/MS method for the quantification of avobenzone in rat plasma and skin layers: Application to a topical administration study.

This study describes the development of a sensitive high-performance liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS/MS) method for the quantification of avobenzone in rat plasma and skin layers. Separations were performed on a Zorbax SB C8 column using a binary gradient mobile phase composed of acetonitrile and 0.1% formic acid in water. The assay achieved LLOQ of 0.5ng/ml for plasma, 5ng/ml for stratum corneum, and 10ng/ml for epidermis and dermis. This method was applied to a percutaneous absorption study of avobenzone in rats. At 12h following topical application of emulsion and lotion (applied amount of avobenzone 11.7mg/kg), avobenzone was found primarily in the stratum corneum (16.3-17.8%) followed by epidermis (2.0-3.4%) and dermis (0.11-0.15%). Avobenzone was not quantifiable in the plasma samples collected over a 12h sampling period. Given the excellent plasma assay sensitivity, this study provides evidence that the systemic absorption of avobenzone is insignificant, if any, after topical application.