A stereoselective analytical method was developed and validated for the
quantification of bupropion, and principle metabolites hydroxybupropion,
erythrohydrobupropion and threohydrobupropion in human plasma. Separation of
individual enantiomers (R)-bupropion,
(S)-bupropion, (R,R)-hydroxybupropion,
(S,S-hydroxybupropion),
(1S,2S)-threohydrobupropion,
(1R,2R)-threohydrobupropion,
(1R,2S)-erythrohydrobupropion, and
(1S,2R)-erythrohydrobupropion was achieved utilizing an
α1-acid glycoprotein column within a 12-minute run time.
Chromatograph separation was significantly influenced by mobile phase pH and
variability between columns. Analytes were quantified by positive ion
electrospray tandem mass spectrometry following plasma protein precipitation
with 20% trichloroacetic acid. Identification of erythrohydrobupropion
enantiomer peaks and threohydrobupropion enantiomer peaks was achieved by sodium
borohydride reduction of enantiopure (R)- and
(S)-bupropion. Initial assay validation and sensitivity
determination was on AB Sciex 3200, 4000 QTRAP, and 6500 mass spectrometers.
Accuracy and precision were within 15% for each analyte. The assay was
fully validated over analyte-specific concentrations using an AB Sciex 3200 mass
spectrometer. Intra- and inter-assay precision and accuracy were within
12% for each analyte. The limits of quantification for bupropion
(R and S), hydroxybupropion
(R,R and S,S), threohydrobupropion
(1S,2S and 1R,2R), and
erythrohydrobupropion (1R,2S and 1S,2R) were
0.5, 2, 1, and 1 ng/mL, respectively. All analytes were stable following freeze
thaw cycles at −80°C and while stored at 4°C in the
instrument autosampler. This method was applicable to clinical pharmacokinetic
investigations of bupropion in patients. This is the first chromatographic
method to resolve erythrohydrobupropion and threohydrobupropion enantiomers, and
the first stereoselective LC-MS/MS assay to quantify bupropion, and principle
metabolites hydroxybupropion, erythrohydrobupropion, and threohydrobupropion in
human plasma.