Development and validation of a highly-sensitive, quantitative LC-MS/MS assay to evaluate plasma oxytocin

Oxytocin is a 9-amino acid peptide that serves as neuromodulator in the human central nervous system. This peptide is implicated in the regulation of diverse behaviors and plays a significant role in positive social interaction. Currently, oxytocin levels are measured using immunoassays. However, these methods have several limitations that can lead to false results and erroneous interpretation. Given the remarkably low endogenous level of oxytocin in human plasma (low ng/L levels), we developed and rigorously validated a novel and highly sensitive LC-MS/MS method for oxytocin quantification in plasma.

Oxytocin was initially extracted using solid-phase extraction with an Oasis HLB 30 mg plate and then subjected to LC-MS/MS analysis. PBS-0.1 % BSA served as surrogate matrix for the preparation of validation samples and the calibration curve, ensuring no endogenous interference. The validation design followed the Clinical Laboratory Standards Institute guidelines. Precision, accuracy, and measurement uncertainty were determined using single-nested analysis of variance and e.noval software.

A lower limit of quantification of 1 ng/L was achieved. The method was validated for oxytocin concentrations ranging from 1 ng/L to 75 ng/L, with precision (coefficient of variation) below 10 %, accuracy ranging from 94 % to 108 %, and measurement uncertainty below 15 %.

In this work, we developed and validated a highly sensitive LC-MS/MS method for the quantification of oxytocin in plasma. Our novel methodology is well-suited for clinical applications.