Published: Journal of Analytical Toxicology, Volume 21, Number 5, September 1997, pp. 346–355.

Morphine, Morphine-3-Glucuronide, Morphine-6-Glucuronide, and 6-Monoacetylmorphine Determined by Means of Atmospheric Pressure Chemical Ionization-Mass Spectrometry–Liquid Chromatography in Body Fluids of Heroin Victims
M.J. Bogusz, R.-D. Maier, and S. Driessen

Morphine, morphine-3-glucuronide (M3G), morphine-6-glucuronide (M6G), and 6-monoacetylmorphine (6-MAM) were isolated from body fluids using solid-phase extraction and determined by means of atmospheric pressure chemical ionization-mass spectrometry–liquid chromatography (APCI-LC–MS) in selected ion monitoring mode. The following ions were monitored: m/z 286 for morphine; m/z 286 and 462 for M3G and M6G; m/z 211, 268, and 328 for 6-MAM; and m/z 289 for morphine-d3 (internal standard). The recoveries ranged from 82 to 89%. The limits of detection were as follows: 0.1 ng/mL (morphine), 0.5 ng/mL (6-MAM), and 1 ng/mL (M3G and M6G). The analytes were determined in samples taken from 21 heroin- overdose victims. Twenty-one blood samples, 11 cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples, 12 vitreous humor (VH) samples, and 6 urine samples were investigated. Blood concentrations (ng/mL) of morphine ranged from 8 to 1539, of M3G from 111 to 941, of M6G from 32 to 332, and of 6-MAM from 0 to 73. The levels of morphine were correlated with glucuronide values and with 6-MAM. The concentrations of morphine, M3G, and M6G in CSF were, as a rule, lower than in blood and lower in VH than in CSF. The concentrations of morphine and molar ratios of M6G–morphine in blood and CSF were correlated. Low ratios of M3G–morphine and M6G–morphine in blood of heroin-overdose victims indicated short survival time after drug intake.

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