Multiple inverse isotope dilution assay for the stereospecific quantitative determination of R(-) and S(+)-oxaprotiline in biological fluids.

An isotope dilution assay for the determination of both oxaprotiline enantiomers in biological samples after administration of the racemic mixture has been developed. The enantiomers were reacted with synthetically prepared, optically pure N-trifluoroacetyl-S(-)-prolyl chloride, followed by high-performance liquid chromatographic separation of the diastereoisomers formed. Quantitation was performed by on-line UV detection at 260 nm and off-line radiometry by liquid scintillation counting. Endogenous compounds and metabolites do not interfere in the assay. Analysis of water and the blood and urine of rats spiked with [14C]oxaprotiline X HCl showed recoveries for S(+)-oxaprotiline X HCl (mean +/- coefficient of variation, n = 4-6) of 98.0 +/- 1.0% (water), 100.5 +/- 0.6% (blood) and 101.5 +/- 2.0% (urine), and for R(-)-oxaprotiline X HCl of 101.3 +/- 2.0% (water), 102.2 +/- 2.1% (blood) and 103.2 +/- 0.2% (urine). A pilot study to determine blood levels of the two enantiomers in two rats dosed with racemic [14C]oxaprotiline X HCl (10 mg/kg i.v.) was carried out to test the method. The results indicated stereoselective disposition of oxaprotiline enantiomers in the rat. The ratio of the areas under the blood concentration curves for R(-)-to S(+)-oxaprotiline X HCl was 1.14.