Detection of tetrodotoxin in autopsy material by gas chromatography.

A gas chromatographic method for the detection of tetrodotoxin in autopsy material is described. The derivative (2-amino-6-hydroxymethyl-8-hydroxyquinazoline, C9-base), which was obtained from tetrodotoxin by alkali treatment, was finally detected by gas chromatography. The mass spectra of the trimethysilylated ( TMS) C9-base are presented together with the result of a gas chromatographic investigation of 8 cases of fatal intoxication.