Zimelidine distribution in a sudden death

The occurrence of zimelidine, a new experimental antidepressant, in a sudden death is presented. Tissues were extracted with n-butyl chloride. Quantitation was done by capillary gas chromatography with a nitrogen/phosphorus detector. Drug confirmation was obtained by gas chromatography and mass spectrometry. Blood concentrations of zimelidine and its metabolite norzimelidine were 0.71 and 2.2 mg/L respectively. Concentrations of the drug and metabolite are also given for the urine, liver, bile, and brain.