LC–MS/MS quantification of asymmetric dimethyl arginine and symmetric dimethyl arginine in plasma using surrogate matrix and derivatization with fluorescamine

Abstract

Aim: A novel LC–MS/MS method using a surrogate matrix and derivatization with fluorescamine was developed and validated for simultaneous quantification of asymmetric dimethyl arginine and symmetric dimethyl arginine. Methods & results: Asymmetric dimethyl arginine, symmetric dimethyl arginine and corresponding internal standards were extracted using protein precipitation and derivatization with fluorescamine followed by SPE. Derivatives were analyzed by turbo ion spray LC–MS/MS in the positive ion mode. Methodology was successfully transferred across multiple preclinical species and utilized in the support of several investigative studies. Conclusion: A new LC–MS/MS analytical methodology that utilizes a surrogate matrix and derivatization with fluorescamine was successfully developed and validated.