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.