Quantitative gas chromatographic mass spectrometric determination of 1,2,3,4‐tetrahydro‐β‐carboline in human plasma and platelets

A sensitive and specific method is described for the determination of 1,2,3,4‐tetrahydro‐β‐carboline in human plasma, based on selected ion monitoring gas chromatography mass spectrometry and employing a deuterium analogue as internal standard. The identification of 1,2,3,4‐tetrahydro‐β‐carboline is based on monitoring ions m/z 143, 171,199 and 368 for the heptafluorobutyryl derivative of 1,2,3,4‐tetrahydro‐β‐carboline or the normal mass spectrum. For quantitation the ratio of ions m/z 368/370 was used. The mean of 1,2,3,4‐tetrahydro‐β‐carboline level in human plasma ( n = 10) was 8.78± 1.94 ng ml −1 and 5.68±1.34 ng in platelets corresponding 1 ml of platelet rich plasma.