Quantitative determination of trinitroglycerin in human plasma.

Area of Science:

• Pharmacology
• Analytical Chemistry

Background:

• Trinitroglycerin (NTG) is a critical vasodilator used in various cardiovascular conditions.
• Accurate quantification of NTG plasma levels is essential for effective therapeutic monitoring and dose individualization.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate a simplified, sensitive, and reproducible method for quantifying trinitroglycerin in human plasma.
• To utilize the developed assay to evaluate the pharmacodynamics of NTG administered via different routes.

Main Methods:

• Development of a simplified quantitative assay for trinitroglycerin using hexane extraction.
• Analysis of plasma samples via gas-liquid chromatography with electron-capture detection.
• Evaluation of NTG pharmacodynamics in 14 patients and healthy volunteers.

Main Results:

• The developed assay demonstrated linearity from 0.5-60 ng/ml with sensitivity and reproducibility of +/- 0.5 ng/ml.
• Maximum plasma trinitroglycerin levels were comparable across intravenous, transcutaneous, and sublingual administration routes.
• Individualized NTG therapy is crucial due to wide dose ranges observed, particularly with intravenous administration.
• In volunteers, plasma NTG levels correlated more closely with heart rate changes than blood pressure changes.

Conclusions:

• The simplified trinitroglycerin assay provides accurate and reproducible quantification in human plasma.
• This assay facilitates a better understanding of NTG pharmacodynamics across different delivery methods.
• The findings underscore the importance of individualizing trinitroglycerin dosage for optimal patient outcomes.