OBJETIVO: Desenvolver e validar a técnica de CLAE-DE para o doseamento de dopamina (DA), ácido diidrofenilacético (DOPAC), ácido homovanílico (HVA) e 3-metoxitiramina (3-MT); validar a técnica de microdiálise (MD) cerebral em animais conscientes e avaliar o efeito do tratamento agudo com um extrato lipofílico das partes aéreas de Hypericum caprifoliatum (HCP) sobre os níveis cerebrais de DA e seus metabólitos. MATERIAIS E MÉTODOS: A validação analítica foi realizada conforme o preconizado pela ANVISA, com análise dos parâmetros linearidade, precisão, exatidão, especificidade e limite inferior de quantificação. A técnica de microdiálise foi realizada de forma clássica: guias de sonda foram implantadas nas regiões cerebrais de interesse por cirurgia estereotáxica; os dialisados foram obtidos, 48 horas após a cirurgia, através da perfusão da sonda com líquido cérebroespinhal artificial (1 μL/min) e coleta durante três horas, em intervalos de 20 min; as três primeiras coletas foram utilizadas para determinação da linha de base e só então foram administrados os tratamentos. Para a validação da MD a sonda foi implantada no estriado (A: -0,3; L: + 3,2; P: - 4,5) e o tratamento foi sulfato de anfetamina (2 mg/kg, s.c.). Para a avaliação do efeito de HCP, a sonda foi implantada no núcleo acumbens (A: +2,2; L: -1,5; P: -5,8) e o tratamento foi uma dose de 270 mg/kg do extrato (v.o.). RESULTADOS E DISCUSSÃO: Os parâmetros avaliados para validar o método analítico ficaram dentro dos limites especificados pela ANVISA. O sulfato de anfetamina produziu um aumento nos níveis extracelulares de DA em 160% e uma redução de DOPAC e de HVA em 80% e 50%, respectivamente. O extrato HCP não alterou o conteúdo intersticial de DA, DOPAC e HVA no núcleo acumbens. Os valores basais encontrados estão de acordo com dados relatados na literatura. Não foi possível quantificar 3-MT. CONCLUSÃO: A metodologia analítica e as condições experimentais de microdiálise utilizadas permitiram a mensuração de mudanças induzidas por anfetamina nos níveis extracelulares de DA e seus principais metabólitos demonstrando que os fundamentos da técnica estão estabelecidos em nossas condições. O regime de tratamento empregado com HCP não foi suficiente para alterar os níveis de DA e seus principais metabólitos no núcleo acumbens de ratos. / OBJECTIVE: The objectives of this work were to validate the HLPC-ED technique for measuring dopamine (DA), dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC), homovanillic acid (HVA) and 3- methoxytyramine (3-MT); to put into operation the brain microdialysis technique (MD) in freely moving rats; to evaluate, by using MD, the effect of a single treatment with lipophilic extract from aerial parts of Hypericum caprifoliatum (HCP) on DA, DOPAC, HVA and 3-MT brain levels. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In order to validate the analytical technique we followed the parameters established by ANVISA for bioanalytical samples. The parameters were: precision, accuracy, specificity and also the lower limit of quantitation. The microdialysis technique was carried out following classical procedures: male Wistar rats were submitted to stereotaxic surgery for the guide cannula implantation in the brain regions of interest; 48 hours later, the microdiaysis probe was inserted and perfused with cerebrospinal fluid (1 μL/min). After baseline samples collecting (1 h), the treatments were administrated and samples were collected every 20 min, during 2h. To accomplish MD technique validation the animals were treated with amphetamine sulfate (2 mg/kg, s.c.) and the extracellular levels of DA, DOPAC e HVA were measured in striatum (A: -0,3; L: + 3,2; P: - 4,5). The effect of HCP acute treatment (270 mg/kg, p.o.) was evaluated in nucleus accumbens (A: +2,2; L: -1,5; P: -5,8). RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: The analytical parameters values found were within the acceptable ranges for bio-analytical limits specified by ANVISA. As expected, amphetamine sulfate administration significantly increased DA (160%) extracellular levels and decreased DOPAC (80%) and HVA (50%) levels. The quantification of 3-MT was not possible. Acute HCP administration did not affected DA, DOPAC and HVA levels in the nucleus accumbens. CONCLUSION: The HPLC-ED methodology and microdialysis procedures employed allowed the detection of amphetamineinduced changes in extracellular levels of DA and its metabolites demonstrating that the technical starting point was acceptable. The acute administration of 270 mg/kg, p.o. of HCP to rats was not sufficient to modify the extracellular levels of DA, DOPAC and HVA in the nucleus accumbens.

OBJETIVO: Desenvolver e validar a técnica de CLAE-DE para o doseamento de dopamina (DA), ácido diidrofenilacético (DOPAC), ácido homovanílico (HVA) e 3-metoxitiramina (3-MT); validar a técnica de microdiálise (MD) cerebral em animais conscientes e avaliar o efeito do tratamento agudo com um extrato lipofílico das partes aéreas de Hypericum caprifoliatum (HCP) sobre os níveis cerebrais de DA e seus metabólitos. MATERIAIS E MÉTODOS: A validação analítica foi realizada conforme o preconizado pela ANVISA, com análise dos parâmetros linearidade, precisão, exatidão, especificidade e limite inferior de quantificação. A técnica de microdiálise foi realizada de forma clássica: guias de sonda foram implantadas nas regiões cerebrais de interesse por cirurgia estereotáxica; os dialisados foram obtidos, 48 horas após a cirurgia, através da perfusão da sonda com líquido cérebroespinhal artificial (1 μL/min) e coleta durante três horas, em intervalos de 20 min; as três primeiras coletas foram utilizadas para determinação da linha de base e só então foram administrados os tratamentos. Para a validação da MD a sonda foi implantada no estriado (A: -0,3; L: + 3,2; P: - 4,5) e o tratamento foi sulfato de anfetamina (2 mg/kg, s.c.). Para a avaliação do efeito de HCP, a sonda foi implantada no núcleo acumbens (A: +2,2; L: -1,5; P: -5,8) e o tratamento foi uma dose de 270 mg/kg do extrato (v.o.). RESULTADOS E DISCUSSÃO: Os parâmetros avaliados para validar o método analítico ficaram dentro dos limites especificados pela ANVISA. O sulfato de anfetamina produziu um aumento nos níveis extracelulares de DA em 160% e uma redução de DOPAC e de HVA em 80% e 50%, respectivamente. O extrato HCP não alterou o conteúdo intersticial de DA, DOPAC e HVA no núcleo acumbens. Os valores basais encontrados estão de acordo com dados relatados na literatura. Não foi possível quantificar 3-MT. CONCLUSÃO: A metodologia analítica e as condições experimentais de microdiálise utilizadas permitiram a mensuração de mudanças induzidas por anfetamina nos níveis extracelulares de DA e seus principais metabólitos demonstrando que os fundamentos da técnica estão estabelecidos em nossas condições. O regime de tratamento empregado com HCP não foi suficiente para alterar os níveis de DA e seus principais metabólitos no núcleo acumbens de ratos. / OBJECTIVE: The objectives of this work were to validate the HLPC-ED technique for measuring dopamine (DA), dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC), homovanillic acid (HVA) and 3- methoxytyramine (3-MT); to put into operation the brain microdialysis technique (MD) in freely moving rats; to evaluate, by using MD, the effect of a single treatment with lipophilic extract from aerial parts of Hypericum caprifoliatum (HCP) on DA, DOPAC, HVA and 3-MT brain levels. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In order to validate the analytical technique we followed the parameters established by ANVISA for bioanalytical samples. The parameters were: precision, accuracy, specificity and also the lower limit of quantitation. The microdialysis technique was carried out following classical procedures: male Wistar rats were submitted to stereotaxic surgery for the guide cannula implantation in the brain regions of interest; 48 hours later, the microdiaysis probe was inserted and perfused with cerebrospinal fluid (1 μL/min). After baseline samples collecting (1 h), the treatments were administrated and samples were collected every 20 min, during 2h. To accomplish MD technique validation the animals were treated with amphetamine sulfate (2 mg/kg, s.c.) and the extracellular levels of DA, DOPAC e HVA were measured in striatum (A: -0,3; L: + 3,2; P: - 4,5). The effect of HCP acute treatment (270 mg/kg, p.o.) was evaluated in nucleus accumbens (A: +2,2; L: -1,5; P: -5,8). RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: The analytical parameters values found were within the acceptable ranges for bio-analytical limits specified by ANVISA. As expected, amphetamine sulfate administration significantly increased DA (160%) extracellular levels and decreased DOPAC (80%) and HVA (50%) levels. The quantification of 3-MT was not possible. Acute HCP administration did not affected DA, DOPAC and HVA levels in the nucleus accumbens. CONCLUSION: The HPLC-ED methodology and microdialysis procedures employed allowed the detection of amphetamineinduced changes in extracellular levels of DA and its metabolites demonstrating that the technical starting point was acceptable. The acute administration of 270 mg/kg, p.o. of HCP to rats was not sufficient to modify the extracellular levels of DA, DOPAC and HVA in the nucleus accumbens.

OBJETIVO: Desenvolver e validar a técnica de CLAE-DE para o doseamento de dopamina (DA), ácido diidrofenilacético (DOPAC), ácido homovanílico (HVA) e 3-metoxitiramina (3-MT); validar a técnica de microdiálise (MD) cerebral em animais conscientes e avaliar o efeito do tratamento agudo com um extrato lipofílico das partes aéreas de Hypericum caprifoliatum (HCP) sobre os níveis cerebrais de DA e seus metabólitos. MATERIAIS E MÉTODOS: A validação analítica foi realizada conforme o preconizado pela ANVISA, com análise dos parâmetros linearidade, precisão, exatidão, especificidade e limite inferior de quantificação. A técnica de microdiálise foi realizada de forma clássica: guias de sonda foram implantadas nas regiões cerebrais de interesse por cirurgia estereotáxica; os dialisados foram obtidos, 48 horas após a cirurgia, através da perfusão da sonda com líquido cérebroespinhal artificial (1 μL/min) e coleta durante três horas, em intervalos de 20 min; as três primeiras coletas foram utilizadas para determinação da linha de base e só então foram administrados os tratamentos. Para a validação da MD a sonda foi implantada no estriado (A: -0,3; L: + 3,2; P: - 4,5) e o tratamento foi sulfato de anfetamina (2 mg/kg, s.c.). Para a avaliação do efeito de HCP, a sonda foi implantada no núcleo acumbens (A: +2,2; L: -1,5; P: -5,8) e o tratamento foi uma dose de 270 mg/kg do extrato (v.o.). RESULTADOS E DISCUSSÃO: Os parâmetros avaliados para validar o método analítico ficaram dentro dos limites especificados pela ANVISA. O sulfato de anfetamina produziu um aumento nos níveis extracelulares de DA em 160% e uma redução de DOPAC e de HVA em 80% e 50%, respectivamente. O extrato HCP não alterou o conteúdo intersticial de DA, DOPAC e HVA no núcleo acumbens. Os valores basais encontrados estão de acordo com dados relatados na literatura. Não foi possível quantificar 3-MT. CONCLUSÃO: A metodologia analítica e as condições experimentais de microdiálise utilizadas permitiram a mensuração de mudanças induzidas por anfetamina nos níveis extracelulares de DA e seus principais metabólitos demonstrando que os fundamentos da técnica estão estabelecidos em nossas condições. O regime de tratamento empregado com HCP não foi suficiente para alterar os níveis de DA e seus principais metabólitos no núcleo acumbens de ratos. / OBJECTIVE: The objectives of this work were to validate the HLPC-ED technique for measuring dopamine (DA), dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC), homovanillic acid (HVA) and 3- methoxytyramine (3-MT); to put into operation the brain microdialysis technique (MD) in freely moving rats; to evaluate, by using MD, the effect of a single treatment with lipophilic extract from aerial parts of Hypericum caprifoliatum (HCP) on DA, DOPAC, HVA and 3-MT brain levels. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In order to validate the analytical technique we followed the parameters established by ANVISA for bioanalytical samples. The parameters were: precision, accuracy, specificity and also the lower limit of quantitation. The microdialysis technique was carried out following classical procedures: male Wistar rats were submitted to stereotaxic surgery for the guide cannula implantation in the brain regions of interest; 48 hours later, the microdiaysis probe was inserted and perfused with cerebrospinal fluid (1 μL/min). After baseline samples collecting (1 h), the treatments were administrated and samples were collected every 20 min, during 2h. To accomplish MD technique validation the animals were treated with amphetamine sulfate (2 mg/kg, s.c.) and the extracellular levels of DA, DOPAC e HVA were measured in striatum (A: -0,3; L: + 3,2; P: - 4,5). The effect of HCP acute treatment (270 mg/kg, p.o.) was evaluated in nucleus accumbens (A: +2,2; L: -1,5; P: -5,8). RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: The analytical parameters values found were within the acceptable ranges for bio-analytical limits specified by ANVISA. As expected, amphetamine sulfate administration significantly increased DA (160%) extracellular levels and decreased DOPAC (80%) and HVA (50%) levels. The quantification of 3-MT was not possible. Acute HCP administration did not affected DA, DOPAC and HVA levels in the nucleus accumbens. CONCLUSION: The HPLC-ED methodology and microdialysis procedures employed allowed the detection of amphetamineinduced changes in extracellular levels of DA and its metabolites demonstrating that the technical starting point was acceptable. The acute administration of 270 mg/kg, p.o. of HCP to rats was not sufficient to modify the extracellular levels of DA, DOPAC and HVA in the nucleus accumbens.

<p><a></a><a></a><a></a><a></a><a></a><a></a><a></a><a></a><a></a><a></a><a>ABSTRACT</a></p> <p>Phenols are ubiquitous in our surroundings including biological molecules such as L-Dopa metabolites, food components, such as whiskey and liquid smoke, etc. This dissertation describes a new method for detecting phenols, by reaction with Gibbs reagent to form indophenols, followed by mass spectrometric detection. Unlike the standard Gibbs reaction which uses a colorimetric approach, the use of mass spectrometry allows for simultaneous detection of differently substituted phenols. The procedure is demonstrated to work for a large variety of phenols without <i>para</i>‐substitution. With <i>para</i>‐substituted phenols, Gibbs products are still often observed, but the specific product depends on the substituent. For <i>para</i> groups with high electronegativity, such as methoxy or halogens, the reaction proceeds by displacement of the substituent. For groups with lower electronegativity, such as amino or alkyl groups, Gibbs products are observed that retain the substituent, indicating that the reaction occurs at the <i>ortho</i> or <i>meta</i> position. In mixtures of phenols, the relative intensities of the Gibbs products are proportional to the relative concentrations, and concentrations as low as 1 μmol/L can be detected. The method is applied to the qualitative analysis of commercial liquid smoke, and it is found that hickory and mesquite flavors have significantly different phenolic composition.</p> <p>In the course of this study, we used this technique to quantify major phenol derivatives in commercial products such as liquid smoke (catechol, guaiacol and syringol) and whiskey (<i>o</i>-cresol, guaiacol and syringol) as the phenol derivatives are a significant part of the aroma of foodstuffs and alcoholic beverages. For instance, phenolic compounds are partly responsible for the taste, aroma and the smokiness in Liquid Smokes and Scotch whiskies. </p> <p>In the analysis of Liquid Smokes, we have carried out an analysis of phenols in commercial liquid smoke by using the reaction with Gibbs reagent followed by analysis using electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS). This analysis technique allows us to avoid any separation and/or solvent extraction steps before MS analysis. With this analysis, we are able to determine and compare the phenolic compositions of hickory, mesquite, pecan and apple wood flavors of liquid smoke. </p> <p>In the analysis of phenols in whiskey, we describe the detection of the Gibbs products from the phenols in four different commercial Scotch whiskies by using simple ESI-MS. In addition, by addition of an internal standard, 5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-1-napthol (THN), concentrations of the major phenols in the whiskies are readily obtained. With this analysis we are able to determine and compare the composition of phenols in them and their contribution in the taste, smokey, and aroma to the whiskies.</p> <p>Another important class of phenols are found in biological samples, such as L-Dopa and its metabolites, which are neurotransmitters and play important roles in living systems. In this work, we describe the detection of Gibbs products formed from these neurotransmitters after reaction with Gibbs reagent and analysis by using simple ESI‐MS. This technique would be an alternative method for the detection and simultaneous quantification of these neurotransmitters. </p> <p>Finally, in the course of this work, we found that the positive Gibbs tests are obtained for a wide range of <i>para</i>-substituted phenols, and that, in most cases, substitution occurs by displacement of the <i>para</i>-substituent. In addition, there is generally an additional unique second-phenol-addition product, which conveniently can be used from an analytical perspective to distinguish <i>para</i>-substituted phenols from the unsubstituted versions. In addition to using the methodology for phenol analysis, we are examining the mechanism of indophenol formation, particularly with the <i>para</i>-substituted phenols. </p> <p>The importance of peptides to the scientific world is enormous and, therefore, their structures, properties, and reactivity are exceptionally well-characterized by mass spectrometry and electrospray ionization. In the dipeptide work, we have used mass spectrometry to examine the dissociation of dipeptides of phenylalanine (Phe), containing sulfonated tag as a charge carrier (Phe*), proline (Pro) to investigate their gas phase dissociation. The presence of sulfonated tag (SO₃^-) on the Phe amino acid serves as the charge carrier such that the dipeptide backbone has a canonical structure and is not protonated. Phe-Pro dipeptide and their derivatives were synthesized and analyzed by LCQ-Deca mass spectroscopy to get the fragmentation mechanism. To confirm that fragmentation path, we also synthesized dikitopeparazines and oxazolines from all combinations of the dipeptides. All these analyses were confirmed by isotopic labeling experiments and determination and optimization of structures were carried out using theoretical calculation. We have found that the fragmentation of Phe*Pro and ProPhe* dipeptides form sequence specific b₂ ions. In addition, not only is the ‘mobile proton’ involved in the dissociation process, but also is the ‘backbone hydrogen’ is involved in forming b₂ ions. </p> <p> </p>