Determination of 20, 25-diazacholesterol in avian matrices by high performance liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry

Authors

Benjamin G. Abbo, USDA National Wildlife Research CenterFollow
Laura E. Hulslander, USDA National Wildlife Research Center
David A. Goldade, USDA National Wildlife Research Center

Date of this Version

2017

Citation

Journal of Chromatography B 1065–1066 (2017) 129–133.

Comments

U.S. government work.

Abstract

Wildlife contraceptives are an emerging tool for minimizing human-wildlife conflicts. One promising avian contraceptive compound, 20,25-diazacholesterol (DAC), reduces fertility by inhibiting cholesterol synthesis. A reliable analytical method for DAC was required in support of its registration for use as a reproductive control agent in pest bird species. A liquid chromatographic method employing tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) was developed for the analysis of tissue extracts following solid phase extraction clean-up. Tissues analyzed were whole body samples from crows, monk parakeets, and quails and liver samples from crows and quails. Excellent sensitivity and selectivity was afforded by tandem mass spectrometry. The method accuracy of DAC from various tissue samples fortified at parts-per-million (ppm) and parts-per-billion (ppb) concentrations was high (> 90%) with excellent precision (< 10% relative standard deviation). Lower limits of detection were excellent in all tissues types, ranging from 1 to 11 ppb in whole body matrices and 9.9–34 ppb in liver matrices.