Synopses & Reviews
Low-dose benzodiazepines (LDBs) and g-hydroxybutyric acid (GHB), often illegally used, have eluded detection in many laboratories because of their low effective dosages and rapid metabolization. In Benzodiazepines and GHB: Detection and Pharmacology prominent experts explain the pharmacology and metabolism of LDBs and GHB and offer powerful and effective methodologies that will enable better detection of these drugs in various body fluids, as well as in hair. The techniques include highly sensitive immunoassay detection of LDBs, the detection of Rohypnol® and other LDBs by mass spectrometry, and the accurate detection of GHB. Each cutting-edge method has been thoroughly tested and is described in step-by-step detail to ensure successful analytical results. In addition, guidance is provided to forensic laboratories on what drugs to look for in evaluating samples from alleged victims based on a three-year nationwide study of drug-facilitated sexual assault. State-of-the-art and highly practical, Benzodiazepines and GHB: Detection and Pharmacology offers toxicologists, forensic scientists, and clinical chemists today's most effective methods for detecting these widely abused drugs.
Review
"...this work is of value. It provides toxicologists with important information, and, since most of its authors are respected forensic toxicologists (P. Kintz, M. Elsohly, D. Crouch, etc.), its content is highly appropriate to forensic toxicology. It reads easily and should find a choice place on shelves of toxicologists interested in the detection and pharmacology of benzos and GHB in forensic cases, especially those relating to sexual assaults." - Canadian Society of Forensic Science Journal
Synopsis
Prominent experts explain the pharmacology and metabolism of benzodiazepines (LDB) and g-hydroxybutyric acid (GHB) and offer powerful and effective methodologies that will enable better detection of these drugs in various body fluids, as well as in hair. The techniques include highly sensitive immunoassay detection of LDBs, the detection of Rohypnol® and other LDBs by mass spectrometry, and the ultrasensitive detection of GHB. State-of-the-art and highly practical, Benzodiazepines and GHB: Detection and Pharmacology offers toxicologists, forensic scientists, and clinical chemists today's most effective methods for detecting these widely abused drugs that are sometimes found associated with criminal acts.
Table of Contents
Chapter 1
Pharmacology of Flunitrazepam and Other Benzodiazepines
Rudolf Brenneisen and Lionel P. Raymon
Introduction
Chemistry
Pharmacokinetics
Absorption, Distribution, and Plasma Levels
Half-Life vs Duration of Action
Metabolism and Excretion
Pharmacodynamics
Sites of Action
Acute Effect
Chronic Administration and Abuse Liability
Pharmacokinetics vs Pharmacodynamics
Rohypnol®: The Debate. References
Chapter 2
Immunoassay Detection of Benzodiazepines
Tamara N. St. Claire and Salvatore J. Salamone
Introduction
Optimal Enzyme Activity
Conditions
Activity
Cutoff
Immunoassays
Methods
Manual b-Glucuronidase Treatment
Automated b-Glucuronidase Treatment.5.2.1
Online with the Hitachi 7175.2.2
Online with the COBAS INTEGRA 7005.2.3
A General Scheme
Conclusion
References
Chapter 3
Analysis of Flunitrazepam and Its Metabolites in Biological Specimens
Mahmoud A. ElSohly and Shixia Feng
Introduction
Methods of Analysis
Screening Methods
HPLC Analysis
Internal Standards
Extraction
HPLC Conditions
Detection
GC/MS Methods
Conclusion
References
Chapter 4
Analysis of Selected Low-Dose Benzodiazepines by Mass Spectrometry
Dennis J. Crouch and Matthew H. Slawson
Introduction
Alprazolam
Background
Method 1
Extraction
GC/MS Conditions
Method Performance
Method 2
Extraction
HPLC/MS/MS Conditions
Method Performance
Midazolam
Background
Method 1
Extraction
GC/MS Conditions
Method Performance
Method 2
Extraction
HPLC/MS Conditions
Method Performance
Method 3
Extraction
HPLC/MS Conditions
Method Performance
Additional Techniques
Lorazepam
Background
Method. Extraction
GC/MS Conditions
Method Performance
Additional Techniques
Triazolam
Background
Method 1
Extraction
GC/MS Conditions
Method Performance
Method 2
Extraction
GC/MS Conditions
Method Performance
References
Chapter 5
Identification of Benzodiazepines in Human Hair: A Review
Vincent Cirimele and Pascal Kintz
Introduction
Biology of Hair
Hair Growth
Types of Hair
Mechanisms of Drug Incorporation into Hair
Effects of Cosmetic Treatments
Specimen Collection
Decontamination Procedures
Extraction
Detection
Detection of Flunitrazepam and 7-Amino-Flunitrazepam
Conclusions
References
Chapter 6
g-Hydroxybutyric Acid and Its Analogs, g-Butyrolactone and 1,4-Butanediol
Laureen J. Marinetti
History and Pharmacology of GHB
History of Illicit Use of GHB
Clinical Use of GHB in Humans
History of Illicit Use of GBL and 1,4BD
Metabolism of GHB, GBL, and 1,4BD
Distribution and Pharmacokinetics of GHB, GBL, and 1,4BD
GHB Interpretation Issues and Postmortem Production
Analysis for GHB, GBL, and 1,4BD
References
Chapter 7
Analysis of Urine Samples in Cases of Alleged Sexual Assault: Case History
Mahmoud A. ElSohly, Luen F. Lee, Lynn B. Holzhauer, and Salvatore J. Salamone
Introduction
References
Index