Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 5, 2026
High-throughput and Comprehensive Drug Surveillance Using Multisegment Injection-Capillary Electrophoresis-Mass Spectrometry
Published on: April 23, 2019
Detection and quantification of dermorphin and selected analogs in equine urine
Stacey L Richards1, Adam T Cawley, Mark J Raftery
1Australian Racing Forensic Laboratory, Racing NSW, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
Background:
Dermorphin, a hepta-peptide with potent analgesic properties, is classified as a doping agent in equine racing. Since its discovery, a number of biologically active structural analogs have been synthesized and made commercially available so there is a need for reliable methods of detection.
Methodology/Results:
A sensitive detection method was developed for dermorphin and six analogs in equine urine. Peptide enrichment was achieved using weak cation exchange with subsequent separation and detection by nano-UHPLC-MS/MS. Method validation parameters included: specificity, linearity (5-10000 pg/ml), recovery (58-93%), intra and inter-assay repeatability, LOD (5-50 pg/ml) and matrix effects.
Conclusion:
The presented method will facilitate the control of the abuse of dermorphin and selected analogs in equine sports.
