Determination of N-acetylcysteine in human plasma by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry

J Chromatogr. 1991 Jan 2;562(1-2):639-45. doi: 10.1016/0378-4347(91)80614-i.

Abstract

An automatic mass spectrometric method for the quantitation of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) in human plasma has been developed. NAC was extracted from plasma with ethyl acetate and derivatized in two steps with 2-propanol and pentafluoropropionic anhydride. The volatile derivative obtained was ideal for gas chromatographic-mass spectrometric analysis. Data obtained by analysing the plasma of healthy volunteers to whom 600 mg of NAC had been orally given are reported.

MeSH terms

  • Acetylcysteine / blood*
  • Autoanalysis
  • Cysteine / analogs & derivatives
  • Cysteine / analysis
  • Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry
  • Half-Life
  • Humans
  • Indicators and Reagents

Substances

  • Indicators and Reagents
  • N-propionylcysteine
  • Cysteine
  • Acetylcysteine